What are Small Groups?

In short, Small Group Ministry is all about growing disciples.  As such, Small Groups are not only a way to meet and grow closer to others, share a passion, explore an interest, serve a mission, or simply celebrate life, but also a way to explore more about one's self and one's relationship with God.

ESSENTIALS of Small Group Ministry

All Small Groups share four essential components - PALS:

• Prayer:  Prayers will always be a part of the group process.  It might be a brief prayer spoken at the beginning and end of the time together, or it might involve a major block of time and serve as the primary purpose of the gathering. 
• Activity:  Some activity will always be a part of the group process, and is often the primary purpose for the group's gatherings. 
• Learning:  Two types of learning will be a part of every group.  Participants will learn more about themselves as they explore a new activity and build new frienships.  Pariticpants will also discover new insights into their relationship with God through prayer, shared personal experiences, Bible study, and more.
• Sharing:  Open and honest conversation is an important part of the group process as participants bond together in a context of trust and respect. 

TYPES of Small Groups

There is an almost endless variety of what a Small Group can be, as various groups will serve to meet the calls and needs of people at different points and places in their lives.  However, all Small Groups fall into one of three types:

• Fellowship Groups focus on sharing an activity of common interest or enthusiasm with others who share that interest or enthusiasm.  These groups are wonderful ways for everyone, new and long-term members alike, to get to know one another, and more about themselves. 
• In Discernment & Discovery Groups, participants will learn more about their gifts, beliefs, values, needs, and their personal connection with God, while also listening for their callings to use their gifts in ways that benefit others.
• Mission Groups involve participants in activities with a specific purpose of outreach and ministry.  These groups are for people who are aware of their gifts and have discerned a call to use them in a specific way.  These groups also help provide partnerships to fulfill mutual callings with similarly gifted and motivated people.

SMALL GROUP COVENANTS

Each Small Group will have a covenant that outlines the basic organization of the group, key expectations of the participatns, the timeline (or lifespan) of the group, its gathering place(s), and any other details unique to the group's purpose.  This covenant will serve as the primary vehicle for upholding mutual accountiability within the group and accountability etween group and church.  At the end of a covenant, participants may re-covenant with a group of a similar purpose or participants may move on to another group.  Click Here to view a Sample Small Group Covenant

OTHER POSSIBLE FUTURE SMALL GROUPS

FELLOWSHIP:  Mon. Night Football; Knitting; Scrap Booking; Gourmet Cooking; Parents’ Night Out

DISCERNMENT & DISCOVERY:   Book Club; Empty Nesters; Spiritual Gifts; Spiritual Disciplines; Faith in the Work Place; Prayer

MISSION: Prison Ministry; Tutoring; Alternative Worship; 
 

Have an idea?  We’d love to know! Please see the suggestion box in Kern Hall or contact Barbara DeCarlo.

Interested in leading a Small Group?  ANY member of Trinity may lead a small group by completing the Small Group Leadership training sessions and committing to uphold Trinity's Small Group policy.  All that’s needed is for you to have an interest or passion you’d like to explore, and the commitment to lead the small group. Small Group Leadership Trainings are scheduled throughout the year.