Small Group Ministry – Milestone Sessions

Milestone sessions mark the major milestones of a group.  

Starting a new group

The four sessions to start a group are used to build a common foundation of story.   The sessions introduce SGM and members will share some common stories. The intimacy and deepness of sharing increases as the sessions progress.  Ideally, the group should meet weekly for four weeks then assume its normal schedule. These four sessions are:

  • M01 – Getting to know you
  • M02 – Sharing Our History
  • M03 – Those Who have Touched Our Lives
  • M04 – Ministry, the Expression of Our Values

Membership changes

If a group adds a member, use these two sessions to integrate the member into the group. These two sessions are a condensed version of the first four sessions. If possible add an extra meeting the month the group adds new members.

  • M21 – New Member Introduction
  • M22 – New Member Values

An alternative to the two sessions for adding a member is this one session

  • M306 – Embracing New Members

When a member leaves a group, one of two situations arise. Either the group will have a chance to say goodbye in person or they won’t. In either case the group has changed. Sessions M19 and M25 are short rituals that can be used in addition to the regular session for the day. Choose one of the following rituals as appropriate.

  • M19 Member Has Left (no longer present)
  • M25 Goodbye to Member

When there is a change in leadership, this ritual is an add-on to the normal content of the day. It provides members of the group a way to honor the service of the leader who has stepped down.

  • M113 A Leader Steps Down

This birthing ritual is to be used as the last session of a group before it grows to become two groups (births) or changes dramatically.

  • M18 Birth or Metamorphosis

When a member of a group dies the group changes profoundly. The following ritual is a full two hour session to explore that change. This session is not a memorial service, that need will be fulfilled in the congregation as a whole.

  • M103 Death of a Member

Strengthening the group and its processes

After a period of time, the group should reflect upon itself and its processes. The following session (full two hours) is part guided meditation, part sharing that will allow the group to look at itself in a constructive manner.

  • M11 Circle as Container

Groups are strengthened by creating a covenant and a brand.

  • M145 Creating a Small Group Ministry Covenant
  • M354 Group Brand

Celebrating Each Other gives each member a chance to show appreciation to each member of the group.

  • M056 Celebrating Each Other

Rekindling the Small Group Flame focusses on the goals of Small Group Ministry.

  • M284 Rekindling the Small Group Flame

Recommitting

Every year before open enrollment starts we ask members to reflect on whether this is a time to try a new group or recommit to their current group.

  • M305 Recommitting to SGM
  • M074 Individual Reflections on SGM

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