Study circles are small groups that meet perhaps once a week for a few hours, usually in the home of one of their members, to study course materials that include passages from the Bahá’í writings.
The focus of Study Circles is usually related to such themes as the Creative Word, the nature of prayer and the mystery of life after death. These themes when considered in the proper light, address the core of the world’s problems by strengthening the inner character of the participants and empowering them to carry out acts of service. Men and women, young and old alike, come to recognize that they have the power to re-create the world around them.
Anyone fifteen or older, whether a Bahá’í or not, is welcome to take part in study circles. Facilitators are used to help organize groups but do not hold any special status, they simply help move along groups in their study of the materials. Everyone can potentially serve as a facilitator and everyone participating is seen as active agents of their own learning. A study circle should be a space that leads to the spiritual and moral empowerment of individuals.
Each study circle uses workbooks which include passages from the Bahá’í writings related to specific themes. Together participants think about the application of these passages to their individual and collectives lives.
Study circles explore how to create spiritual environments through prayer and devotion; how to strengthen bonds of friendship, meaningful communication, education of children, empowering junior youth, the importance of family, material and spiritual prosperity, and more. Ultimately, women and men, young and old alike, recognize their innate capacities and are empowered to use them to re-create the world around them.
AuroraColoradoBahais.org is the website of the Baha'is of Aurora, Colorado. It is maintained under the auspices of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Aurora, Colorado, the nine-member elected governing body of the local Baha'i community.
