Process

In its ideal form the NET Groups process begins in September and ends in May. The six elements that are woven into the NET are:

1. A spiritual autobiography


2. Journaling


3. A common devotional reading


4. A common theological reading


5. The Ministry Experience Report or MER


6. Theological discussion among NET Group members.

In addition to these elements, an opening event or retreat and a closing celebration are encouraged. Keeping in mind the summer doldrums and the need for a Christmas break, a typical year might follow this pattern:

September 12
Dinner and Opening Event
Basic orientation
Group building
Spiritual autobiography assigned

September 26
Sharing of spiritual autobiography
Journaling method taught
Ministry Experience Report taught
Devotional reading agreed upon

October 10, 24; November 7, 21; December 5
Group meets 2 1/2 hours each evening for discussion of devotional reading and theological reflection upon two Ministry Experience Reports each evening.

January 9, 23; February 6, 20
Group meets 2 1/2 hours each evening to discuss readings. These readings center on the major theological issues that have surfaced from the previous Ministry Experience Reports.

March 12, 26; April 9, 23; May 7
Group meets 2 1/2 hours for a second round of discussion of devotional reading and theological reflection upon two Ministry Experience Reports each evening.

May 21
Closing celebration
Each congregation can tailor the schedule to meet its own particular needs. Some may want to meet more often for more in-depth discussion, and others may find that more frequent meetings cause a scheduling burden. The point is this: Be creative!