When people are asked why they come to church, the most common reasons are: to be part of a religious community, for inspiration and intellectual stimulation, to meet people, and to find support for their spiritual journey.
Small Group Ministry meets these needs and seeks to address the social isolation and superficiality so characteristic of modern life. It is a response to the deep hunger in our hearts for real connection with each other, and for spiritual exploration and growth.
What Small Group Ministry Is (And what it is not)
Small Group Ministry is another way for people to build connections within our growing congregation. The groups create an environment in which we can come together to talk about the significant events of our lives and about the ideas that engage us. The groups are inclusive, not exclusive.
The groups are not therapy groups or affinity groups or study groups. We want them to be as diverse as we are. It is in these small groups that we make time for each of us to be heard, and practice the art of ministry to each other.
How does Small Group Ministry work?
Interested individuals make up groups of six to ten people, and covenant to meet regularly every two weeks for two hours. The Small Group year is comprised of two nine-meeting sessions, or "semesters."
The Fall-Winter semester begins the end of September and runs through January. The Winter-Spring semester begins in February and runs through the end of May. There is a 2-3 week break between semesters.
Meetings typically take place at someone’s home, generally in the evening but occasionally in the afternoon or whenever a group can arrange to meet.
Each meeting begins and ends with a reading. There is a brief check-in, during which participants can say a little about what’s new or important in their life, and there’s a feedback time at the end of the discussion.
The main part of the
meeting is discussion of a prearranged topic dealing with important life issues.
The selection of topics is prepared by the minister, and is led by a pair of
trained facilitators.
Sample Session Plan
Opening Words: Reading or ritual that ties the group to its larger organization and transcendent purpose.
Sharing/Check-In: What, briefly, is going on in your life today?
Discussion/Topic: Experiencing, learning, discussion, planning, action, reflection.
Check-Out: How is everyone feeling now? Likes and wishes.
Closing Words: The closing may be a reading, a song, blowing out the candle, or other activity chosen by the group.
Facilitators come from within the groups themselves, and “facilitate” the life of the group. They make sure the group starts and stops on time. They are responsible for the flow of the meeting, and for staying in touch with group members who miss a meeting.
The facilitators meet
with other facilitators and the minister regularly to keep her connected to
the growth and evolution of our church community, and to consult on questions
that come up within the groups.
Comments
from Small Group Participants
“The small group has been important in my life. As a new member, it helped me to learn more about Unitarian Universalism in general, and the people of the congregation. Early on I felt more connected to the church quicker that I would have just going to church on Sundays. Also, while the groups aren't therapy sessions, by sharing our concerns and joys, it eased the difficult time I was going through.”
“It's been wonderful to get to know the people in my small group. We support each other well, and enjoy good company. We've learned a lot about our strengths, weaknesses, opinions, beliefs, travels, histories, families, friends, heartaches and joys. It is a wonderful program that is developing better people, and a stronger and larger community of UUs.”
“I have been satisfied with and have enjoyed participating in small group. After years of being part of the church, I finally actually know important things about some wonderful folks. And, they know some important things about me. The fellowship has filled a great void in my life; also, the topics are stimulating and thought provoking. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity in our lives.”
“I have found myself able to talk frankly regarding my own feelings, something I do rarely within my own family. I am also impressed with the ability to LISTEN demonstrated by all the members, and the confidence of each person that the group is truly listening to them.”
“ A great chance to stop, breathe, and focus on questions and topics that allow for personal and spiritual growth. Discussions have been intimate and beneficial. It has been a time to talk about spiritual matters -- a nice break during the week.”
"It has challenged my thinking covering many spiritual topics. It has supported me emotionally. It has nurtured my soul. It has made me feel part of a community of wonderful, caring people."