Dallas Willard - Small Group Curriculum: Hearing God, Session 1

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to engaging with Dallas Willard's small group curriculum on hearing God. The first session focuses on understanding that we were created for an intimate friendship with God. This guide will help you navigate the session, facilitate discussions, and deepen your relationship with God through a conversational approach.

Step 1: Gather Your Group

• Invite friends or fellow church members to join your small group.
• Aim for a comfortable group size, ideally between 5 to 10 participants to encourage open discussion.
• Schedule a time to meet, ensuring everyone has access to the video and session materials.

Step 2: Access the Materials

• Download the Session 1 Small Group Participants' Guide from the provided link: Session 1 Participants' Guide
• Download the IVP Small Group Leaders Guide for the entire series: Small Group Leaders Guide

Step 3: Watch the Teaching Video

• Gather your group and watch the approximately 30-minute teaching video together.
• Ensure everyone is engaged, and encourage them to take notes on key points that resonate with them.

Step 4: Facilitate Group Discussion

• After the video, break for group discussion. Use the following prompts to encourage dialogue:
  • What did you learn about the nature of your relationship with God?
  • How can we shift from using God as a source of advice to engaging in a conversation with Him?
  • Share personal experiences of hearing God’s voice, if comfortable.

Step 5: Explore the Bonus Session

• After the discussion, watch the 10-minute bonus session titled "Hearing God Is More than Guidance."
• Discuss the insights from this bonus content and how they apply to your lives.

Step 6: Reflect and Apply

• Encourage each participant to reflect on how they can cultivate a more conversational relationship with God.
• Suggest practical ways to practice listening to God in daily life, such as:
  • Setting aside quiet time for prayer and reflection.
  • Journaling thoughts and feelings to discern God’s guidance.
  • Engaging in community with others to share insights and experiences.

Conclusion

In this first session of the small group curriculum, you have begun to explore the concept of intimate friendship with God. By gathering a group, engaging with the video content, and facilitating meaningful discussions, you are taking significant steps toward building a deeper relationship with God. For next steps, continue with the subsequent sessions, and keep practicing the art of listening to God in your daily life.