Most current small group programs are basically a presentation of content, followed by small group discussion. Participants generally learn from what the author of the content has gleaned in their study or from the Holy Spirit. The goal of these programs is to gain more knowledge about their particular subject.
Walking On Water is a purpose driven process where one seeks to grow in six clearly defined tangible and measurable disciplines needed as Disciples. Participants are led, through the material provided, to learn how to encounter the Holy Spirit directly. In this process much of what they glean in knowledge will come directly from their experience with the Holy Spirit as they explore the Word of God.
Participants will explore eight profound truths from God's Word and learn, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, how to more effectively apply them in their lives. Each profound truth is a six week journey that takes participants through three simple movements - Focus Weeks, Clarity Weeks and Practice Weeks.
FOCUS WEEK
The process begins with the first movement entitled Focus Week. The small group gathers to watch the video content provided, that unpacks the first profound truth and launches the participants into their own private exploration of the truth. Each Focus Night has clearly articulated program outlines (In the Leader's Guide) for parish leaders or small group facilitators that provide a series of brief initial questions. Using the materials provided, participants will then spend the rest of their week reflecting on the profound truth in greater detail.
CLARITY WEEK
The second week in the profound truth begins the second movement called the Clarity Week, where participants then begin to examine their own application of this truth. Seeking the help of the Holy Spirit, He reveals to each person their own areas where they need to strive to apply this truth to their lives. At the conclusion of this week participants will be led to declare practical, actionable and measurable goals of how they are going to apply the truth to their lives. They will then bring these declarations and share them with their group.
PRACTICE WEEKS
The third movement of the WOW Process consist of the last four weeks entitled Practice Weeks. It is during this time where participants begin to glean a lot about themselves and their trust in God. As you can imagine living life according to God's word requires authentic Faith. Participants will continue to focus on scripture during their prayer time but also focus on what the Spirit is revealing to them.
Each week, participants gather to share their experience with the Holy Spirit and the joys and struggles encountered in their honest attempt at applying God's word to their lives. It is important to note that video content is only provided on the Focus Nights to introduce a new profound truth. All other small group gatherings will comprise of personal sharing in each movement.
Materials
In addition to experiencing profound growth, one of NEM's goals for this process was to make it as inexpensive as possible. Out beta testing revealed that once a participant learned the three movements of the process, they no longer needed the volume of instruction. With this in mind, the book entitled "Walking On Water, Engaging the Holy Spirit", provides all the instructions for utilizing the WOW process while leading participants through the first profound truth.
In addition to this book, we have included two sets of cards that contain all the prompts needed for all eight profound truths. This enabled us to offer all eight profound truths, in card format, for the same cost of the initial guide book, thus making the cost per person for the entire year at $30. Participant will not only have the book to refresh if needed but we have also included a simple one page guide (tucked into the back cover) that can be used to remind participants about each movement.
