Small Group Ministry

Small Group Ministry at First Parish

The basic premise of the Small Group Ministry program is that the ministry of a church is not the sole province of the professional religious leader. We are all ministers, some of us are ordained and some of us are lay persons. The tasks of ministry, especially the ones that will foster the bonds of connection among members of the congregation, can be shared. The Small Group Ministry program is one way that this happens.

The second premise of the Small Group Ministry program is that people come to church, not to serve on a committee, but to seek ways to deepen their spirituality and strengthen their connections with other people. The Small Group Ministry program is one way that has successfully enabled First Parish members and friends to deepen their spirituality and achieve greater intimacy with one another.

The third premise of the Small Group Ministry program is that our Mission and Vision statements reflect what is important and of value in the life of our congregation. The Small Group Ministry program can help us fulfill our First Parish Mission and Vision statements to become a church that welcomes individuals and families who seek spiritual growth and nurturing and to create a community of lifetime learning and caring.

Common Questions and Concerns

1.	What is the Small Group Ministry Program?
	The Small Group Ministry Program is one of the church's Adult Spirituality/ Education opportunities. It is an intentionally structured program for people to deepen their spiritual life and to get to know other people on a more intimate level.

2.	Do I have to be a member of First Parish to join a small group?
	No, members, friends, and visitors are all welcome to participate in the SGM program. An opportunity to join a group will be offered at least twice a year, once in the fall and once in mid-winter.

3.	Won't the SGM program make it harder to get people to serve on committees and do the other work of the church?
	Experience suggests that this does not happen. Instead, because people are being fed spiritually and emotionally to a greater depth in the small groups, the work of committees and other groups is much more focused and productive. Doing the work of the church becomes an expression of their increased commitment to the church.

4.	What will the Parish Minister do if the members of the congregation become lay ministers?
	The parish minister will continue to provide ministry through worship, preaching, pastoral care, education and social justice activities. The ministry provided by the members of the small groups will be through their personal connection to each other and the larger church community. The ministry provided by the parish minister will be to support, guide, and inspire the lay leaders and to provide a visible, public leadership to the church community.

5.	Who leads the group and how often do the small groups meet?
	The groups are led by a trained facilitator and meet approximately once a month from October to June.

Basic Format of Each Session
1.	Gathering (10 minutes)
2.	Opening (5 minutes)
3.	Chalice lighting (1 minute)
4.	Personal Check-in (45 minutes)
5.	Conversation about pre-selected topic (50 minutes)
6.	Closing Words/Reading (2 minutes)

How do I Join a Small Group?

To join one of the small groups, speak with the minister or with one of the leaders of the small groups and then sign the sheet on the bulletin board in the back of the sanctuary. Or call the church office at 978-922-3968 for more information.

Page Updated 25 January, 2010 01:40 PM