Dick Meyer began a regular column for Faith at Work News in
the summer of 1982. To build healthy small groups, Dick focused on good sharing
questions. “Begin with the past,” he said, “then move to the present and
conclude by framing an intention for the future.” It’s a pattern that Dick has
used in his One-Anothering column for the past 24 years. Now it’s time to move
on, he says.
Dick’s understanding of group process has guided many over the years. In his first column, Dick sketched these guidelines for sharing. If you’re learning how to lead groups, make note of these!
1) Match the question to the level of the group.
2) Avoid superlatives (most, least, favorite etc.)
3) Give people permission to pass.
4) Share answers in a circle and take turns.
5) Give brief feedback, a nod or smile, and move on to the next person.
In his three-volume study of the “one-anothering” passages
from the Bible, Dick created a basic curriculum for healthy koinonia groups.
Faith@Work will continue to recommend those books as the best place to start
with small groups.
More recently, Dick explored the 12-steps of AA as a vital process for spiritual renewal in his book, STEP UP. He begins with the Give Up Steps (1-3), the Clean Up Steps (4-6), the Make Up Step (7) and the Keep It Up Steps (8- 12).
We’ll continue to recommend that too! We’ll miss Dick’s vulnerability and life experience, his humor and candor about living in relationship as the way to discover God in our midst.
Thank you Dick, for all the ways you’ve helped Faith At
Work grow and deepen! (Here are three cover samples from Dick's years of
faithful service.)
Dick Meyer is the Director of the One Anothering Institute in Omaha NE and author of three books, One Anothering, Vol 1, 2 &3. His new book is entitled, Step Up. All of Meyer's books are available from Faith At Work.