Training Opportunities Expanding

Take a look at the events on The UU Small Group Ministry Network calendar.

There are a growing number of events for those looking to start with small group minsitry or to deepen their understanding. Most exciting to me are new regional conferences in the works and a week long Ferry Beach intentsive.

I hope you will join us at one of these events. I also invite you to let me know about any UU small group ministry events you learn of.

Training Opportunities Expanding

Take looking at our Small Group Ministry Network calendar.

There are a growing number of events for those looking to start with small group minsitry or to deepen their understanding. Most exciting to me are new regional conferences in the works and a week long Ferry Beach intentsive.

I hope you will join us at one of these events. I also invite you to let me know about any UU small group ministry events you learn of.

Adding some FUN and Weirdness to groups

Mel Ash is a former member of my home church. Years ago he wrote an amazing book called Shaving the Inside of Your Skull: Crazy Wisdom for Discovering Who You Really Are. It is essentially a manual on personal transformation. It is filled with ideas and exercises to challenge our conception of the world. I used many of them in workshops and with youth. Unfortunately it is such a good book I keep giving it away. I've bought over a dozen to date.

If you are looking for fun and/or weird material to base small group session on, check out Mel's book.

Radical Hospitality

I've been reading the book Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love. The term "radical hospitality" is spreading like wildfire. The concept is relatively simple. Benedictine monks try and live with mutual reverence for all people.

What is the difference between living with mutual reverence" and respecting the inherent worth and dignity of all people? That would be an interesting session.

A discussion on Radical Hospitaltity would serve as a great discussion for group participants and leaders as it discusses how we treat people - strangers - coming in to our lives.

Get the book

C is for CLOSED

Confidentiality is something that group members automatically suggest when the group creates its covenant. Why? We have experience with confidential groups. Makes sense. The problem with this is that confidentiality allows for very deep disclosure. What is the result of this this level of sharing? Members do not feel comfortable having newcomers join the group and sharing moves into areas best left for private conversations, pastoral calls, and therapy groups.

If the intention is to extend the ministry of the church and support the health and vitality of the community, groups need to be more open. This just doesn't happen with high levels of confidentiality. There is a middle path between ANYTHING GOES and CONFIDENTIAL.

Is this a common recommendation? Yes. But you might have missed it! It is in Bob Hill's book, the Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry" on page P.32.

Members: See the Role of Confidentiality for more information on this topic.

Suggestion: Try encouraging groups to have a policy of BEING RESPECTFUL in sharing.

Note: This does NOT go for all church groups, such as grief groups, parent support groups, etc...

Shared Ministry Covenant

You've heard how important it is for any shared ministry group to have a covenant. That being a mutual behavioral agreement. For ministry groups the covenant typically outlines the group's purpose, structure, its relationship to the church community, and how various logistical and ministry issues will be dealt with.

But what about the covenant between the minister and the shared ministry leaders?

In many of our congregations only the groups are covenanting together. Just as a group needs to form a covenant, so to should the minister and the shared ministry leaders. This is essential if leaders are expected to attend a small group where ongoing support and training happens. It is important to outline the responsibilities being taken on by the shared ministry leader and the minister(s). This includes how they will be in relationship with each other, meeting or reporting schedules, and any other obligations.

Suggestion: Form a covenant with any individual who is taking on a new ministry on behalf of the church.