Small Group Ministry

5 Day SGM Training | SGM II | SGM Retreat | Leader Support | Circle Prayer

Main line congregations are finding that a small group ministry does two very important things. It provides a place where the current congregation can deepen their faith and find support as they live out their Christian ministry. It also enables newcomers to the congregation to quickly develop the spiritually supportive meaningful relationships they so often are looking for. Below are some of the small group ministry resources we offer:

Five day Small Group Ministry Training (Athabasca)
Small Group Ministry II (for those with SGM experience)
Small Group Ministry Retreat
Small Group Ministry Leader Support
Other Possibilities
Small Group Ministry Articles

At the Congregational Life Centre we have been offering training in Small Group Ministry for some years. We would like to put our insights and experience at the service of your congregation.

Establishing Small Group Ministry

Five days Aug. 9 - 13, Athabasca 2010

In five days, you can be on the path toward growth, energy, commitment, and spiritual depth in your congregation. This five day event in August takes place at a retreat lodge in a woodland setting two hours north of Edmonton, and is facilitated by the Centre Staff Team, Joyce Madsen and Clair Woodbury.

Experience the support and spiritual renewal that comes from being part of a small group, and explore the theory and dynamics that make small groups such a dynamic means for growth and enrichment in the church today. Come with a team from your congregation. By the end of the session, each congregational develops a plan for instituting or strengthening a small group ministry in their setting.

Some of the topics we explore:

Why small groups
Creating a circle
Covenants
Developing leadership
Focus areas for small groups
How to get started
The facilitating core group

For recreation and relaxation, the 80 acre wooded site is laced with walking trails. We relax beside the 25' swimming pool Evening campfires provide time for talk and entertainment.

The cost of $325 per person includes tuition, meals and accommodation. We recomments bringing a team from your congregation. The event begins at 1 p.m. Monday and ends at 1 p.m. Friday.

Space is limited so register early. Call the Centre 780-619-0386 or 780-438-6016 to register or for more information.

Reconnecting with Small Group Ministry

August 4 - 6, Athabasca 2010

This event is for people who have some small group experience and want to expand their use of small groups. These three days will give you an opportunity to share your insights and gain new enthusiasm and expertise. Begins 10 a.m. Wednesday Aug. 4 and ends 6 p.m. Friday Aug. 6 (dinner is provided). Stay Friday night at no extra cost if you are travelling a distance. All inclusive cost: $195. Call the Centre 780-619-0386 or 780-438-6016 to register or for more information.

Here are some PICTURES & COMMENTS from past Athabasca SGM events:

	We began each day with our small group gathering. There is no better way to learn about small groups than by being a small group.
	At the centre of our small group were objects that symbolized our presence, and that the Spirit was at the centre of our gathering.
	Our small group was a time for some fun, a lot of sharing, a few tears, and a lot of mutual support.
	Then came delving into the dynamics of leading a small group in one's own congregation.
	Sharing our insights was an important part of the process, for we all have been part of a small group of some sort.
	Joyce Madsen shared her wisdom.
	Part of the fun was carving diamond willow into talking sticks for use in a small group circle back home.
	The campfire was the perfect place for whittling, telling stories, and sharing.
	The whittling seemed to go on into the night, as did the singing and the conversation around the fire.
	The athletic members took noon hour to trek to the lookout over the Athabasca River — 3/4 kilometres ahead, and 300 metres down. The coming up was a little more strenuous than the going down.
	Meals together were a great time for fun and for sharing.
	Here's the Athabasca 2006 gang. A greater crew to go small grouping with you won't find anywhere.
	The lodge provides comfortable accommodation.
COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS: This is vitally important stuff to be aware of and to become involved in - a simply presented, revolutionary way of being the church. Extremely valuable session. Having felt very alone with my ideas and situation, I have now become more confident that I can move forward with definite steps and a plan. The openness of the facilitators to be authentic has modeled for me the type of leader I wish to become. An exceptional learning environment enabled the exploration of small group ministry. I like your easy relaxed manner of presenting information. To gain clarity and understanding of small groups in the church, do not hesitate to engage in this course. Very good program - excellent leadership. I appreciated the emphasis on developing a personal plan. The Small Group Ministry binder was very helpful. I appreciated the learning set in nature - a beautiful place to gather.	*We invite you to make Small Group Ministry training in Athabasca part of your summer.*

Small Group Ministry Retreat

The objective of this event is to introduce small group ministry, provide an opportunity to experience a small group, and to create a plan for developing a small group ministry in your congregation. Gather ten or so persons who are interested in participating in the launch of a small group ministry in your congregation. There are opportunities to share experiences of small groups, explore the dynamics of small groups, and experience being part of a supportive small group. This is normally a Friday evening-Saturday event, but ask about other formats.

SGM Leader Support

We encourage you to contact us if you have a leadership role in a small group ministry. We offer a number of options for support. We can support your congregation's small group ministry in a number of ways. Please discuss your unique requirements with us.

Small Group Ministry Articles

Explore the numerous articles on Small Group Ministry that have appeared in our Congregational Life Newsletter.

Circle Prayer

God center me.
Let your light shine through me.
Set my heart, my mind, my soul aflame.
Guide me to a circle
Where there are kindred spirits,
Loving hands to embrace me,
Friendly arms to hold me close,
And set me free.
In the circle with you at the centre
May I find the strength
To give, to receive, to love,
Knowing that in you there is
No beginning and no ending to life,
But only a love that grows.

Congregational Life Centre: Spiritual Circles seminar

Congregational Life Centre

Our mission is to assist congregations to be more effective in their ministry