The most important work that we can do as a church is to foster the creation of lifelong friendships.  Through the small group ministry program, we seek to create a structure whereby members and friends can easily establish deep, meaningful, personal relationships, and to establish those relationships in a relatively short period of time.  It differs from many of our current small groups, in that it is carefully structured in the following manner:

Group Size. Each group is encourage to have between eight and twelve members that meet regularly -- at least once per month.

Facilitator.  Each group has a trained facilitator whose task it is to ensure that the group follows the set of guidelines that the group has agreed to.

Opening Ritual.  Each meeting begins with a brief ritual, the purpose of which is to help focus the group on the present moment and to heighten a sense of respect for the life of the group.

Check In.  Each person is allowed a brief period of time to speak about what is going on in their life at the present time.  During this time, side conversations are not allowed, and unless a participant specifically asks for advice, none is offered.

Discussion.  After check in, the group begins an open discussion.  The subject might happen to be something that one of the members touched on during the check in.  Or it might be a subject that the facilitator brings to the group.

Ending Ritual.  The meeting ends promptly at an agreed upon time with a brief ending ritual.

Church Project.  Once a year, each group is encouraged to choose and participate in a project that will help the church.

Community Project.  Two times a year, each group is encouraged to participate in a community service project of their choice.