The third priority is study. Those of you in school -- we can hear you groaning right through the internet! But this is different: this is study because you want to, for the joy of it, because that's how God made you. Our Celtic Christian tradition places a high priority on learning and takes a playful delight in education. For those who can do it, there really is almost no such thing as authentic Celtic Christianity without study. As you study:
Studying a really good book which shocks you out of your preconceptions is the intellectual equivalent of the free fall ride at the local theme park. Have fun!
More info: What to study and how to do it?
There is no official course of studies -- this is fellowship, not seminary. We could say your are on your own, but we have a lot of suggestions for you.
Group study is not familiar to everyone so we will present a few suggestions. Some books you will read almost like devotional works, soaking up the atmosphere. Some you will want to study as carefully as you would a textbook on the psychological implications of organic sub-atomic trigonometry as it relates to the social structure of extraterrestrial nematodes.
Everyone gets the book and reads the chapter or section ahead of time. Come to the meeting prepared to discuss.
One person is chosen to act as facilitator. The groups needs to read in advance, but the facilitator is prepared with discussion topics, exercises, "homework" assignments, related short readings -- anything to help the group come to grips with the book. It is hard work, but rewarding for the group. The same person should not serve as facilitator all the time, but the duty should rotate.
The members can read aloud, perhaps a paragraph or two at a time, and discuss as they go.
Some groups like to read a selection and give the members a chance to write their thoughts and reactions. Then they can read aloud what they wrote, if they choose.
Come up with something better than these suggestions and let us know so we can include your ideas.
What should you read? Good stuff, of course. Try to get a healthy mix of theology, the Bible itself, books about the Bible, history, spirituality, and Celtic Christianity. Check out the reading list for suggestions.