Ongoing Support Group Meeting

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Start and end time

Each meeting in a Begin a New Life (BNL) Support Group has a clear start and end time. Time allotments are based on a one-hour meeting and can be adjusted as needed.

Opening activities (approx. 15 minutes)

Opening prayer

The meeting begins with an opening prayer offered by the group leader or another member of the group.

Check-in

After the opening prayer, the group moves into a time of Check-in. This is an opportunity to briefly hear from each person.

Each participant shares their name and offers either:

• One highlight from their day or week, or

• A brief opening comment

(Just one—not both.)

Check-in helps everyone begin engaging with the group. Anyone who prefers not to speak may simply “pass.”

To keep things moving, each person shares only a sentence or two. There is typically no cross talk or discussion during this time, though the leader may allow some flexibility. After each person shares, the group responds with a simple, “Thank you.”

If the group is larger than eight people, consider breaking into smaller groups of four to eight.

Group business

Next is a brief time for Group Business. This includes any announcements or decisions that need to be made.

If there is nothing to address, this portion is skipped. Like Check-in, it should move quickly.

Group sharing (approx. 30 minutes)

The majority of the meeting is devoted to Group Sharing.

There are three types of meetings used in the BNL Support Group model: Step meetings, Topic meetings, and Process meetings.

Step meeting
In a Step meeting, Group Sharing focuses on participants’ experience with a particular step of the BNL process. The purpose is to help keep the steps present in people’s awareness and active in their daily lives.

Sharing may center on any of the four main steps or one of the sub-steps (e.g., Step 2.1, Step 4.1, etc.). The group leader initiates the sharing with a question:
“What has been your experience of practicing this step of the process?”

Before the meeting, a group member selects which step the group will focus on. This responsibility may rotate, be assigned, or be taken on voluntarily. The person simply announces the chosen step at the start of Group Sharing.

Topic meeting
In a Topic meeting, Group Sharing is centered on a specific topic. One group member selects the topic ahead of time, again on a volunteer, rotational, or assigned basis.

Whenever possible, the topic is shared with the group in advance so participants have time to reflect on it. Topics may relate to life change and spiritual transformation, or to any area the group feels drawn to explore. One helpful resource is 90 Topics for Sharing and Discussion (www.beginanewlife.info/osg-90).

Process meeting
In a Process meeting, group members complete the entire BNL process in advance using a fresh set of worksheets. They then come to the meeting prepared to share their experience. The group leader opens the sharing with a question:
“What was your experience of going through the entire BNL process?”

These three meeting types can be used in any order or rhythm that fits the group. For example, a group might alternate between Step and Topic meetings, with a Process meeting held quarterly or a couple times a year. Groups that want to stay closely grounded in the steps may lean more heavily into Step meetings, while those wanting a broader reflection on the process may include more Process meetings.

Leading Edge or Personal Time

Following Group Sharing, the group transitions into either Leading Edge or Personal Time. A brief explanation may be helpful:

Leading Edge is a time for participants to share any recent “aha” moments—insights, breakthroughs, or personal revelations that have come through their ongoing use of the BNL process.

Personal Time is available to any group member who requests it. During this time, one person shares a current personal struggle and invites the group’s support. The individual briefly describes what they are facing and opens the space for encouragement, insight, and support.

Closure (approx. 15 minutes)

The final part of the meeting is Closure. This portion includes the following elements:

Leader for the next meeting
If leadership is shared, the group identifies who will lead the next meeting. This can be decided on a volunteer, rotating, or assigned basis.

Next meeting type
If the next meeting will be a Step or Topic meeting, the group also determines who will choose the Step or Topic in advance. This responsibility may be taken on voluntarily, assigned, or rotated among members.

If the next meeting is already scheduled as a Process meeting, the group leader simply reminds the group of this.

Closing comments

As the meeting comes to a close, the group moves into a brief time of Closing comments. Similar to the opening check-in, each person is invited to share a final thought—just a sentence or two—to “check out” of the experience together. The tone is simple and attentive, with no cross talk or discussion, and each contribution is acknowledged with a “Thank you.” Anyone who prefers not to speak may simply “pass.”

The Lord’s Prayer

The meeting concludes with the Lord’s Prayer. Participants may stand or remain seated and say the prayer together. Those who prefer may simply listen.