Is the idea of a Kairos Moment / Kairos Circle biblical?

Answer

The Kairos Circle, also known as the Learning Circle, serves as a learning tool utilized by certain Christian and secular groups to evaluate experiences and encourage personal growth and enduring transformation. Within a Christian framework, the Kairos Circle aims to support discipleship by leading an individual or a small group through opportunities to glean life lessons.

Commencing with a “Kairos Moment,” believed to be a moment when God has communicated in some manner, participants concentrate on six key elements: Observation, Reflection, Discussion, Planning, Accountability, and Action. The initial three components in the process (Observe, Reflect, and Discuss) are identified as stages in “repentance.” The final three components (Plan, Account, and Act) are viewed as stages in “belief.” Therefore, the Kairos Circle serves as a method to illustrate repentance and faith in response to God’s corrective actions. The fundamental questions to address are “What is God trying to communicate to me?” and “How will I respond?”

The term kairos originates from Greek, meaning “opportunity” or “appropriate time.” The New Testament employs the term kairos and its derivatives in various instances, such as Luke 19:44 and Acts 24:25. Advocates of this discipleship tool refer to Jesus’ inaugural sermon in Mark 1:15 as a model of a “Kairos Moment”: “The time has come. . . . The kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe in the good news!” When the Israelites were presented with Jesus’ life-altering message, they were presented with an opportunity (a kairos) and a duty to respond suitably. Similarly, when Jesus summoned James and John to follow Him, they were presented with a moment of decision—would they abandon everything to follow Christ, or would they remain with their fishing nets?

The Bible does not mention a “Kairos Circle” or a “Kairos Moment.” These terms are of human origin. Nevertheless, the notion of seeking God’s guidance, learning from experiences, and applying God’s teachings is rooted in the Bible. The Kairos Circle is derived from an understanding of hoPeople learn and an assurance that God wants us to grow «For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. », (Hebrews 5:12).

Following the steps of the Kairos Circle can be beneficial if it causes one to focus more on the Word of God. The Bible tells us to meditate on God’s Word (Psalm 1) and put it into practice «But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. », (James 1:22). We should also learn lessons from the events in our lives. After hearing a sermon, for example, it is good to reflect on the message, discuss it with someone, think of applications, and then act on what was learned. The same thing is true for going on a mission trip, meeting a person in need, having a car accident, or finding a job.

The Bible promotes learning and commands us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” «But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.», (2 Peter 3:18). If following the Kairos Circle can help us to reach that goal, then it is useful.