By Clair Woodbury
Creating bridges between the generations in a congregation is no longer an option in a congregation that wishes to thrive. The first article in this newsletter by Alyson Huntly describes the situation and the challenge very well.
There are a number of ways to bridge those difference. The best way we have found is to initiate a small group ministry. Small groups are places where people can gather around a common interest, a common activity, or a perspective.
Some are prayer groups, exploring ways of deepening spirituality. Book clubs has long been a favourite, reading the same publication and then discussing it together. Others gather around social outreach, community service, or personal growth. Whatever, the important thing is to combine personal sharing, mutual support, reaching out for an experience of God, in addition to the central affinity.
In small groups, there is room for people of different ages and different perspectives to get to know one another and develop that sense of mutual respect that is the basis of true community.
Small groups or circles are environments where people can come together and share. They can be places where lifelong friendships are developed, or they can be places where we touch another life for a short period of time.
A funny thing happened on the way to the year 2000. Most main line churches lost the majority of those small groups.
One factor was what we call the “democratization” of the church. We wanted every group to be open to everyone in the congregation. Another factor was the “intellectualization” of religion. We wanted every group to be a learning experience.
Joyce has just had an experience of both trends at work. Having launched a spiritual support group with a few colleagues, others felt the group should be open to everyone and an invitation was issued to the congregation. People came and wanted a “program,” wanted “education content.” The small group became a big group, with an agenda and organization. The small group of friends that launched the group found it was no longer what they needed.
Small group ministry is first and foremost about a place where individuals can be who they are at the very core of their being — that point we call soul where we are touched by God.
A typical small group gathering might have the following agenda:
Opening Ritual
Check In
Task: Study, Work, Interest Area
Prayer
Closing Ritual
We have found two books to be particularly helpful resources:
Most of us today are looking for more depth in our relationships — we want to be accepted as whole persons and the spiritual hunger we hear about is evidence of this need. A small group ministry is a way of meeting this need.
Congregational Life Vol. 7.2 May 2001