The goal of this four-week study on Being Disciples by Rowan Williams is to provide a safe and welcoming space for participants to explore the deep and practical dimensions of Christian discipleship. Through guided discussions on key themes such as forgiveness, holiness, and following Jesus, this study seeks to foster an environment where group members feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences, questions, and reflections. By encouraging honest conversations and mutual support, this study aims to help participants not only grow in their understanding of what it means to follow Christ, but also connect their spiritual lives to their everyday realities in meaningful and transformative ways.
The poet David Jones wrote “It is easy to miss him at the turn of a civilization”. In a society that has abdicated “being” to a presence to technology, is it possible to be a disciple as “ a state of being”?
Discuss a time when you “saw” something as opposed to “noticing” it. Optional- discuss a moment when you missed a kingfisher - how did you rectify the moment or is it lost forever.
Is expectancy and presence the same? Can expectancy be detrimental in the sense that it can lead to magical thinking? How do you balance the demands of secular and divine presence?
Rowan says that a virtue of being a disciple is: “Disciples are expectant in the sense that they take it for granted that there is always something about to break through from the Master, the Teacher, something about to burst through the ordinary and uncover a new light on the landscape. The Master is going to speak or show something; reality is going to open up when you are in the Master's company,… “ Mike Cooper, host of Christianity Today, said to Krista Tippett that people listening to his podcast have expressed “feeling to some extent spiritually and to a large extent politically homeless. Their options don’t represent them well."
Has the role of what it means to be a disciple changed- Have we moved from expectancy to survival? Does the idea of what faith is, represents and calls for change with a changing environment? How do we maintain a disciples “state of being” in a cultural setting that either opposes it or is indifferent to it?
Does discipleship, by its nature and Rowan’s definition, call us to reorganize how we see the world? We live in a global community where information is disseminated constantly and unvetted- most of it seemingly supporting various silo positions and instilling fear into the landscape. How do we grow in faith and understanding, based on Rowan’s principles of discipleship, and still be conscious of our secular world, and at the same time, not be consumed by it.
How do we establish the power of tradition through stories, by what we have been, by who we are?
Jesus compares giving bread versus a stone to illustrate God’s generosity (Matt. 7:7-9). Can you share a time in your life when you felt God provided for you in an unexpected way? How did that experience shape your understanding of forgiveness?
What are some personal obstacles you’ve faced when trying to forgive someone? How do you see these challenges addressed in the teachings shared in this chapter?
Rowan Williams emphasizes the idea of generosity being at the heart of forgiveness. Can you recall a moment when someone’s generosity changed your heart? How might that experience inform the way you approach forgiving others?
Rowan Williams offers Jesus as the ultimate model of forgiveness. How does reflecting on His example encourage or challenge you in your own relationships?
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a relationship restored through forgiveness? What role did faith or prayer play in that restoration?
Rowan Williams describes holiness not as moral perfection but as being drawn into the life of God. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt particularly aware of God’s presence in your life? What was that like?
Holiness is often associated with “set-apartness,” but Williams suggests it is about deeper engagement with God and the world. How do you see holiness expressed in everyday life? Can you think of someone whose life reflects holiness in this way?
Williams talks about how holiness is not just about personal purity but about being transformed in relationship with others. How have your relationships—whether friendships, family, or church—shaped your understanding of holiness?
The chapter explores how worship, prayer, and daily habits shape our holiness. What are some practices that help you stay connected to God? Are there any small, daily habits you’ve found especially meaningful?
Holiness can sometimes feel like an intimidating or unattainable goal. How can we encourage one another in a pursuit of holiness that is rooted in grace rather than perfectionism?
Williams discusses the role of faith in public life. How does he argue that faith contributes to a healthy society?
What does Williams say about the dangers of a society that privatizes faith? How does this challenge the way we think about religion’s place in public discourse?
The chapter explores the idea that true faith should make us more aware of others, especially the marginalized. How can faith communities better engage with social justice issues?
Williams talks about the tension between faith and secular culture. How do you navigate this tension in your daily li
The chapter emphasizes the importance of listening and dialogue in a pluralistic society. What practical steps can Christians take to foster better conversations with those of different beliefs?
Williams argues that faith should not just be about personal belief but should influence how we act in the world. What are some ways you feel called to live out your faith in society?
How does Williams’ perspective on faith in society challenge or affirm your current understanding of the Church’s role in public life?
Rowan Williams talks about hearing our name spoken by God and asking Him, “Tell me who I really am.” Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God reveal something about your identity or purpose? What was it like?
Dispassion involves stepping back from our emotions to gain perspective. Can you recall a time when you had to pause and reflect on your emotions before responding? What did you learn from that experience?
The chapter emphasizes stillness as essential for hearing God. What practical steps help you find stillness in the middle of a busy week? Can you share a specific habit or practice that’s worked for you?
Reflect on the phrase, “Silence is the sacrament of the age to come.” Have you ever experienced God’s presence in silence or stillness? How did it shape your faith?
Growth in the Spirit means being open to change and stretching beyond our comfort zones. When was the last time God stretched you spiritually? How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself?
Williams describes growth as clearing clutter and creating space for God’s life. What “clutter” in your life feels like it’s holding you back from growing in your discipleship? How might God be inviting you to let it go?
Joy is described as boundary-breaking and overflowing. Have you ever experienced a moment of deep, uncontainable joy in your faith journey? What brought it on, and how did it impact your relationship with God or others?
Sometimes the church struggles with embracing joy. Have you ever felt hesitant to express joy in worship or your spiritual life? What might it look like for our group or community to embrace joy more fully?
Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these fruits feels most abundant in your life right now? Which one do you feel called to cultivate more deeply?
Williams challenges us to be present in prayer, not distracted by anxieties or fantasies. What strategies or tools have helped you stay focused and present with God during prayer or worship?
Williams talks about finding freedom from projections and expectations. In your own discipleship journey, how have you balanced the expectations of others with the call to follow Christ authentically?
If joy is a marker of life in the Spirit, where have you seen this joy reflected in your daily interactions or in our group? How can we encourage each other to live in that joy more consistently?
Looking back on this study, what is one insight or practice about being a Disciple, you want to carry forward with you, and how will you put it into action?