Although spiritual growth occurs within an individual, Ware explains that it is the calling of the congregation to be a community of support and encouragement. Indeed, it is amidst the support of a group that an individual learns how to live out personal faith. Ware provides a very practical and accessible model of spiritual formation for self-directing groups that can be led by clergy or laity. Includes thorough guidelines, do's and don'ts, and ground rules for the successful pursuit of spiritual growth in small groups

Corinne Ware is director of the Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry degree, and assistant professor of Aescetical Theology at the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. She previously practices as a pastoral psychotherapist on the staff of the Samaritan Couseling Center in St. Joseph, Missouri. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Corinne Ware is also the author of Discover Your Spiritual Type (Alban, 1995).