What is the purpose of an A.R.E. Study Group?
The following excerpt on group activity comes directly from the Edgar Cayce readings?

"No group should be organized for any special help to the Association. The Association presents that it has found worthwhile, asking individuals to apply in their experience. What is the purpose and ideal that should be sought? That there may be that saving grace which comes from the Father, the Maker of the Universe, in the experiences of those individuals in such groups who may be channels of blessings to their neighbors?" (Edgar Cayce Reading 262-61)

An A.R.E. Study Group focuses on relating more fully to God and humanity, and on living more abundantly, extending love and service to others. The A.R.E. does not recommend or endorse anyone commercially involved with any psychic field nor should any of its members promote their own business and/or services or those of others during meetings.

Why a study group?

Search for God I and II a group there is the likelihood of all its members traveling in the same general direction, all in need of support and help. There is comfort in knowing one is not alone; that there are others with problems. There is an opportunity to get outside oneself and help others.

A group brings together a variety of viewpoints, educations, environments, experiences, and personalities. Collectively, the group wisdom may have far more to offer than could be found in any one individual.

In group discussions members may disclose personal problems which cause other members to see the same difficulty within themselves for the first time.

Meditation is developed more powerfully in a group, and personal meditation on one's own is strengthened. The examples presented by group members increase one's awareness of hidden personality traits and encourage efforts of self-change. The group helps members to talk openly, but not to talk so much that they deprive others of an opportunity. Members become more concerned with the whole group? not just with themselves.