Scripture Circles
EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE IN AN ANCIENT, NEW WAY:
BOTH COMMUNAL AND PERSONAL, INFURIATING AND CLARIFYING, TEACHING MOVING THROUGH SPACE AND TIME TOWARDS A TARGET.*
Scripture Circles—a regular gathering of community centered around the Word—are an experience of studying the Scriptures that is practical and pastoral, scholarly and mystical, personal and communal. Each Scripture Circle is a remarkable experience of communion with God and others—a unique journey made more so by your participation: no one else has your story, your eyes, and the gifts you bring to the study of Scripture.
As a believer, I have had the surprising and enriching experience of having studied under two gifted rabbis, people of God who gather groups nationally and internationally to explore the Scriptures. These gatherings brought me into an ancient and beautiful way of attending to the story of God in the Scriptures that I and our other teachers are excited to share. We believe this form of study can revolutionize your life and faith—because of the way it has revolutionized ours. We look forward to journeying together in the Scriptures in sacred community with you, guided by the Holy Spirit, grounded in God.
Grace & peace,
P.S. Looking for something local to you? If you’re in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, we highly recommend 40 Orchards and their study communities. In North Dakota? Check out the Red River Scripture Circles folks.
*The word Torah (תּוֹרָה) might best be translated as “teaching moving through time and space towards a target. In Scripture Circles we explore why “the first five books of the Bible” or “the teachings of Moses” might not be as helpful a translation of the word torah as a more verb-based understanding.
What to Expect
Both online and in-person gatherings begin by listening attentively to the particular people in the room. We go around the circle and share the things with which we have been wrestling or pondering. Based on what is shared, several Scripture passages that might fit those questions or themes emerge, and the group votes on where to begin with study.
Once we dig in, Scripture Circle facilitators guide us through language roots and threads that run from one text to another. Then, the questions. Questions that invite us to wrestle with human experience and our interaction with the Trinity. Questions we begin to see if we look at the text and have the courage to ask them of each other—and of ourselves. Questions like, “What is it like to be so afraid of the unknown in front of you that bondage feels like a better option?” (Which is one of the questions we see as the Israelites enter the wilderness experience in Exodus 16.)
Scripture Circles can be as short as 30 minutes for kid-based studies to as long as a three-day weekend for retreat-based studies. Generally, weekly Scripture Circles last an hour and a half, whereas monthly Circles are three hours in length.
Scripture Circles Schedule and Details
Scripture Circles vary in location. Some will be at a teacher’s home either in Colorado Springs, Nashville, San Luis Obispo, or elsewhere. Others may be at other houses, outdoor spaces, or other locations. We also host online Scripture Circles, more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The address and location will be confirmed the week before the gathering.
Space is usually limited to 12-18 people per study, so please sign up promptly if you are interested. You can sign up alone, with a friend, or even on behalf of a group.
I and our team of teachers also enjoy teaching groups that already exist, such as small groups and leadership teams. Please email me if you are interested in discussing that option.
In general, gatherings happen on a regular schedule. Each of our teachers below leads at least one on-going Scripture Circle, and some more than one.
Anam Cara Ministries leads four different types of Scripture Circles:
Types of Scripture Circles
A Taste of Scripture Circles
These short, free Scripture Circles occur quarterly online. This 90-minute study is designed for those who have never attended a Scripture Circle before and would like a taste of what’s to come before exploring other options for study.
Discovering Scripture Circle
These are Scripture Circles for those who have never been to or have little exposure to Scripture study in this format. If you’ve been to a ton of study and want to join, no problem! The aim of these Circles is to be open to those who want to join.
Expanding Scripture Circle
This Scripture Circle is for those who have been to study before (even just once.) There is no set community with this study, so all are welcome! It’s just not the best entry point for those who have never studied before.
Rooted Scripture Circle
These Scripture Circles are meant for a specific community that is traveling together over time (a small group, family group, or small community). This could be over several months as a theme is explored (justice, grace, or love, for example), or for much longer as the group dives deeper into Scripture and sacred community.
All gatherings are based on a sliding scale of paying what you can or are able to pay, through cash, check, or credit on the day of the study, or online beforehand.
Interested In Scheduling A Scripture Circle?
Check out the upcoming dates on our Events calendar or have a look at the calendar below.
Please note Scripture Circles will be rescheduled if less than 4 people are registered the week before the event.
If you have a group you’d like to schedule, please email us here.
Anam Cara Scripture Circle Leaders
Meet our Teachers
Tara Owens
Jeremy Frye
