(Here’s another resource for your small groups. We recommend reading at the beginning of the initial meetings of all newly-formed small groups. It helps people know what to expect and reminds everyone of things that are easy to forget in the midst of stimulating discussion!)
Introduction: Welcome to our small group! For many of you this will no doubt be a new experience. You may be wondering: What will take place? Will I fit in? Will I want to come back? Fair considerations. Here are some expectations and values to help clarify what this community will be about. Let’s discuss these as a group:
- We gather as Christians: Our express purpose in gathering is to encourage one another in our mutual commitment to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Priority: We will make participation in the weekly gatherings a priority.
- Participation: Each person has a unique relationship with God. We will strive to create an environment in which all are encouraged to share to the degree that they feel comfortable.
- Discussion Guidelines: The heart of our gathering time is our sharing in “Spirit–filled” discussion. A “Spirit-filled” discussion takes place when the presence of the Holy Spirit is welcomed and encouraged by the nature and tenor of the discussion. To engage in such a discussion, it is important that all participants observe the following guidelines:
- Participants give constant attention to respect, humility, openness, and honesty in sharing.
- Participants share on their level of personal comfort.
- As silence is a vital part of the total process, participants are given time to reflect before sharing begins. Also, keep in mind that a period of comfortable silence often occurs between individual sharing.
- Participants are enthusiastically encouraged to share while, at the same time, making sure they permit others (especially the quieter members) an opportunity to share as well. Each participant should aim to maintain a balance between participating joyfully and not dominating the discussion.
- Participants are to respect with confidentiality all personal things shared in the group.
- Perhaps most importantly, participants should seek to cultivate a mindfulness of the Holy Spirit’s desire to be present in the sharing.
- It is important that your group starts and ends on time. Generally a group meets for 60 or 90 minutes with an additional 30 minutes or so for refreshments. Agree on these times as a group and then work to honor them.
Find more resources on our small group webpage and in our Handbook of EC Ministry.