What a study circle is
Three to ten friends. A weekly meeting, an hour or two long. A tutor — one of the group, who has studied the same book previously and is accompanying others through it. A set of materials developed by the Ruhi Institute. And the understanding that each course will be followed by an act of service through which what was studied becomes real.
The sequence of courses
The main sequence of courses unfolds from the first book — Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, an introduction to the Bahá'í Writings, prayer, and the meaning of life and death — through subsequent books on devotional gatherings, children's classes, the junior youth programme, the teachings of the Faith, community building, and beyond. The sequence is open-ended; a friend can begin at the first book at any age.
What happens after the circle
The act of service. After Book 1, a friend might begin to host a devotional gathering in their home or visit friends and family to share prayers. After Book 3, they might teach a children's class. After Book 5, they might animate a junior youth group. The pattern continues: study, action, reflection, study. Capacity grows.