Small group ministry can bring purpose and direction to individual lives as well as to our faith communities. It is a structure that takes us back to why we gather in communities, encourages our individual gifts, and acknowledges the passions that move us to respond to what we believe. Small group ministry develops leadership skills. More importantly, small group ministry enables us to care for one another.
All of these things we do already as faith communities. Intentional small group ministry expands what we do well and provides the leadership development to make it sustainable and relevant.
The Small Group Meeting
Christina Baldwin's book Calling the Circle describes an intriguing way of coming together in community that is exactly what is needed for the disconnection our busy lives have left us feeling. The circle calls us to listen to the wisdom of all that hold the rim. Each of us carries a piece of the truth, and we need all of the pieces to become whole. The circle invites us to "change how we interpret, and interact with the circumstances and people right around us." Baldwin describes the circle as "an organizational structure that locates leadership around the rim and provides an inclusive means for consulting, delegating tasks, acknowledging the importance of people, and honouring the spiritual." It is radically different than processes we are used to, and yet its wisdom is as old as civilization.
The concept of calling a circle would be an ideal process for the gathering times of small group ministry because the circle challenges us to slow down and seek balance in what we do and the decisions we make. It is a social practice that "asks us to be willing to arrive, to pay attention, to speak as clearly as we know how, and to help action and accomplishment arise out of the group." Perhaps this is a model for the intended relationship between God and humanity.
There are three basic principles of the circle. First, leadership rotates among the members of the circle. There is trust that the right leadership will come from the right person, when the time is right. The second principle is shared responsibility. Everyone pays attention to the needs of the group and will call for what is required at the given time. Relying on the Spirit is the third principle. This involves simple rituals, or spiritual practices, and seeking spiritual guidance for the discussion and action of the group.
Discussion can be led with participants using a talking piece and one person speaking at a time, or in a more informal manner, through conversation that feeds off of one another. Participants can also call for silence if time is needed to clear the air or seek spiritual guidance. In all interactions in a circle, participants will be "speaking with intention, listening with attention, and self-monitoring our impact and contributions." These principles and practices provide the framework for self-governance that allows the work of the circle to be done.
Some congregations may not be ready to call the circle and may need more structure to begin the work of small group ministry. The meeting structure provided by Anne Martin in her book Rooted in the Divine is certainly a safe place to start. Her first suggestion is to share a meal together. The conversation that ensues connects us with one another and sets the tone for a safe and caring place in which to share our stories and our dreams. If a meal is not shared first, the group needs a gathering time to bring themselves into the presence of the group and to build community.
Once the group is gathered, an opening such as a prayer, poem, or song, is offered to focus on the purpose of the gathering and to acknowledge God's presence. The check-in time follows to allow group members to share a personal story. This is a time to intentionally listen to one another without offering comments. Each meeting should also include a time for spiritual practices or prayer. Different types of prayer and meditation can be introduced in a way that feels non-threatening.
A major portion of the meeting time is spent on the group interest. This is probably the main reason the group first formed. The group interest activity can be anything from discussing a book to reading poetry, to going for a walk. Some helpful guiding questions for selecting a group interest activity are "Where do you experience God in your life? What experiences or activities bring you closer to God? What is life-giving for you?"
The gathering begins to come to a close with the check-out time. This is an opportunity to reflect on something that has been learned during the meeting time and to be aware of the feelings of others in the group. Finally, the closing offers another time of ritual that is short and signals the end of the meeting.
Before any congregation launches into small group ministry, they need to have a good understanding of who they currently are as a church. Bill Donahue in Leading Life-Changing Small Groups offers key questions for this process.
From where have we come?
Where are we today?
What are our core values?
Who influences decisions in our church?
How will we craft and articulate the vision to our key leadership?
What are potential resources and possible barriers?
What are the implications for our staff?
Careful consideration of each of these questions will provide a better understanding of the congregation and will ensure as many people as possible are on board before you begin.
Small group ministry provides an organizational structure that could meet the current needs and longings of congregational life. It provides an opportunity for leadership development, spiritual discernment, pastoral care, and outreach. Small group ministry invites us to be with one another in significant ways to discuss our faith and to put it in action. It may be the only opportunity many have for finding the language to describe what they believe.
The first two stages of planning and training are key to making small group ministry successful in any congregation. A purpose, set of goals, and a strategy must be in place before potential small group leaders are recruited. A training course designed around content and process should provide leadership in personal and group spiritual nurture, and community building skills such as small group process and group dynamics. This planning and training set the groundwork for success in growing small groups.
Small group ministry provides the framework for congregations to nurture one another, to transform lives, and to put faith, gifts, and passion into action. Calling the circle invites us to step back from the center and hold the rim together, that we may learn from one another.
These are exciting times to be the church. The path ahead is not always clear, and there are many obstacles to overcome. How we lead the church and how we live out our faith, will always be a story in progress. We do know that we need each other, and that we are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Nancy Chegus is part of the staff team at St. Albert United Church. She is an accomplished musician and composer, and is in the Master's degree program at St. Stephen's College.
Congregational Life Newsletter Nov. 2004. Vol. 11 No. 2