Some Frequently Asked Questions
So, what is a Study Circle?
A Study Circle is a group of people (usually between 6-10 persons) who come together regularly to do three things (the three ‘S’s):
- Study
- Socialize
- Serve
What binds the group is their ties of love and friendship, their desire to discover more about spiritual life, and their eagerness to take part in some acts of service in the local community.
What does the group study?
The first course that the group studies together is called Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. It uses short, beautiful passages from the writings of Bahá’u'lláh to investigate basic spiritual ideas like reading sacred scripture, prayer, and life and death.
Sounds great – who can take part?
Any youth or adult who wants to take part and is keen to study, socialise and serve together – Bahá’à or not, it doesn’t matter. Anyone who is interested should be able to take part.
Is there a teacher?
Not in the normal sense. Every study circle has a ‘tutor’ (or ‘facilitator’). This person helps to guide the group through the course material at a good pace and using helpful methods. But all the participants in the course are collaborators, and everyone who takes part learns something, including the tutor. Everyone takes on the active work of learning from the material.
What will I need to commit ?
A study circle will need to commit to meeting regularly in order to do the course properly. When the group meets, and how often, is for the group to decide. Like any other sort of learning, the study circle material builds ‘step by step’, and so it is important not to miss steps. If missing a session is unavoidable, a participant will need to arrange a time to catch up on the missed session. However, there is never any homework – all the material is studied in the sessions.
A good study circle has spiritual discipline and flexibility – both are important. It also has games, music, activities – and a strong sense of unity.
Who makes all the decisions?
The group does, through consultation. It decides when and where to meet, common goals, group identity, how to serve, and ways of socializing together.
Can I bring a friend later on?
Well, of course the course material needs to be done from start to finish in order. So people cannot join in half way through, but there will be other opportunities to do a study circle in the future. However, a group should never feel ‘exclusive’ – they should invite everyone to their social and service activities for instance.
Why are study circles successful?
· They offer a close connection with the Creative Word of God.
· They begin simply, and gradually introduce more challenging ideas.
· Everyone gets fully involved.
· A study circle can become the focal point of a growing local community.
· A successful study circle has an atmosphere of love amongst all its members. Participants encourage each other in their own personal learning.
