Do you take time to think about “things?”

What I mean is, do you intentionally take time to ponder questions, ideas, theories, statements, theology, doctrine, the meaning of a story, etc.

I’m in a book club of sorts with about 10 guys from church. We began last April (and made it through the summer without falling apart). Some may say it’s a Bible Study, but we don’t actually study the Bible. So, we call it a book club. Or maybe a men’s group. But definitely not a Bible Study group.

We’ve intentionally selected books to promote us to think deep and create conversation. No study guides. This isn’t homework. Simply read the chapter (or two) for the week, and come ready to discuss.

We began with “Gospel Wakefulness” by Jared C. Wilson, and are now in the latter third of “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer.

Not light reading by any measurement.

If you’ve been following me for any period of time, you know these two books are right in my wheelhouse. My leisure reading has a solid foundation in Presidential Biography, but non-fiction books exploring all things God are my sweet spot. They make me think. They force me to consider my life as a follower of Jesus. They promote critical thinking.

The group is a bit eclectic, but we certainly all have a hunger for learning, and community. We came together out of a desire to create a community of men within our church. We all want to gain deep friendships with other men. To be accountable, and willing to step up for each other when there is a need, but more so to simply have a group of men to learn from and with.

No single man is the leader of the group. One or another may facilitate a schedule change or the discussion of our next book, but no one is in charge. We are together.

We didn’t know what would happen when we began in April. Would we gel? Would some leave after a couple of weeks? Would we be able to make it through the summer and not fall apart?

Now over six months into this experiment, we are a solid group. Conflicts may take one or two or three people away for a couple of weeks, but we stick together.

For me, the biggest surprise from this group is how we have done critical thinking together. I’ve learned how to listen for a different perspective. We don’t all think the same even though we all stand essentially the same biblical/theological/doctrinal ground.

I’ve been pushed to pay attention to ideas in chapters I would normally nod my head in agreement with and move on to the next thought from the author. I’ve started to think while reading, “What would Robert say about this paragraph?” Different perspectives and reactions to what the author is saying makes the group challenging and fun. It forces me to think critically. I like that. Critical thinking promotes growth in me.

I’m going to be absent from the group this Wednesday. I’ll miss it. I’ll miss the discussion. I’ll miss the genuine caring for each other that has developed. I’ll miss the community. But next Wednesday will come quickly.

Do you have a group of people, or an individual, that pushes you to think critically and possibly look consider an alternate perspective?