Preparation

• Gather sheets of paper (8 1/2 by 14) and pencils.

Reflect and Practice

1. Open the session with prayer.
   
   
2. Distribute the paper and pencils. Ask your participants to write their spiritual growth timelines on the sheets of paper before this session. Ask them to mark the timeline with their faith development milestones.
   
   
3. Spend this session letting each participant share his or her timeline. As the they listen, compile a list of common elements in the way your participants have grown spiritually. Ask, "How do our experiences compare to those described in the article "Adults and Faith"?"
   
   
4. As a group, consider ways to evaluate the spiritual growth of the adults in their classes and groups. Ask, "Is the amount of church participation a sign of spiritual growth?"
   
   
5. Ask your participants to reflect on the influence of religious cults on the adults in their classes and groups. Identify the life transitions being experienced by adults in their groups. Ask, "How can you help them through these transitions so that they will not be tempted by cults?"
   
   
6. Close the session by praying for specific adults experiencing transitions. Remind your participants to read the section for the next session.