FORMING AND CONDUCTING

PARISH PRAYER SHARING AND STUDY GROUPS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this “HOW TO” is to provide guidance and suggestions for forming parish small groups that meet in parishioners’ homes or the parish facilities. The primary purpose of the groups may involve prayer, sharing or study but most groups will involve prayer and sharing to some degree. Some suggestions for conducting small groups and study materials are also included.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

One of the signs of a vital, spiritually alive and growing church is the presence of a number of small groups. There needs to be a variety of such groups to meet the different needs and the desires of parishioners. The big value of small groups lies in the opportunities they provide for people to participate in discussion on a personal level and to “feel” a part of the group. No one is an island unto himself and although they may need to be encouraged and led to get into a group, most people benefit greatly at times from being a part. It should be noted that the formation of small groups is a natural consequence of parish events, such as, a FAITH ALIVE WEEKEND. It may be best to hold some such event to “kick off” a small group program.

HOW IT WORKS

Brotherhood chapters can help in the formation of and leading of groups according to the abilities of the members. If they are not led or able to form or lead groups they can participate in them and encourage parish participation. Of course, the Brother­hood chapter itself is a small group, although it is also a group with a “service” or action objective. In view of this latter aspect, some people will not be led to participate in the Brother­hood chapter. Also, the Brotherhood chapter is basically a group for men, even though wives are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in some of the work of the group.

After it is agreed that the chapter will assist in the formation and/or leadership of parish groups, they need to discuss this with the rector and parish lay leader(s) who may have a parish responsibility for such groups. If it is deemed feasible for the Brother­hood to do this and a strategy is developed, the following points should be considered:

  • Establish a limited period for the groups to last. Five to eight weeks is good, although some groups can be planned to last 13 weeks.
  • Provide a variety of times, focuses and places. A meeting of proposed meeting group hosts and leaders should be called to settle this.
  • Provide training for group leaders in the conduct of small groups, or at least provide study materials on this.

NOTE: Some groups will spring up voluntarily after a parish event and they may select a place to meet, time period and focus independent of a parish planning group. Do not try to change these groups if they are not willing to change. Just fit them into an overall framework.

NOTE: See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Section of this “HOW TO.”

  • Provide guidance and group leaders in “study program” materials and an occasional support session for the leaders of all groups.
  • Encourage, but do not force, spontaneous prayer for all members of all groups, especially when needs reveal themselves and at the close of the meeting time.
  • Stress and follow the need to start and stop groups at the times agreed upon by the group.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

It is important that group leaders be “skilled” in group leading. Some people are natural leaders but those who do not consider themselves naturals can acquire skill and sensitivity. It may be practical for the rector to arrange a training session(s) for small group leaders. In any case, we suggest every leader obtain and study the book called “Get Going through Small Groups” which can be ordered from GUIDEPOSTS, Mt. Carmel, NY 10512. This book also includes an excellent study booklet by The Rev. Samuel 11. Shoemaker called the “Experiment of Faith”.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Chapter leaders should discuss this possible project with the rector and then discuss with the Chapter how they desire to participate. The first step after approval of sponsorship is to make a survey of what groups are now meeting. A list of such groups could be publicized in the parish and the desires of parish participants sought as to what their desires are. Of course, as mentioned above
Last Update 03-31-2007