General
This meeting format is intended for a small group of from six to
twelve people in a cozy, relaxed location. The purpose of the meeting
is for the participants to have an intimate setting where they can
easily and freely exchange ideas and personal moments of their
lives. The meeting time is normally set at about two hours. The
starting and stopping time are strictly honored so conflicts can be
avoided. However, people should be free to stay after the meeting for
further conversations.
Each of the sections described in the
format below has an associated time allotment. The times are only
suggestions meant to show the relationship between each section. The
time allotments are very flexible and if more time is needed in any
section, borrow it from another appropriate section.
Format Details
Welcome and Gathering Ritual
The Welcome is usually performed by the host and is usually a graceful, simple and short statement of welcome. The Gathering Ritual is then immediately performed by the host or group leader. The ritual is a way of calling the group together, remembering why the group exists, and making everybody comfortable with a well known, meaningful but simple and short ceremony. You can find typical Gathering Rituals on the Small Group Resources page. (Three minutes)
Accountability
One of the important functions of the group is to maintain a sense of contact will all its members. Therefore, at least one member should contact everyone else prior to the meeting to determine who will be attending. At this spot in the meeting, the contact should report on those who could not attend. (Two minutes unless some noteworthy circumstance has occurred.)
Sharing of Life
During the Sharing of Life segment, any member of the group may discuss a celebration or concern in their personal life. Birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, etc. are typical celebrations but there may be more profound celebrations too. Celebrations of a more extended nature are also completely fair. For example, a legislative victory, a national or religious holiday, a successful harvest are all great celebrations. Concerns can be anything from politics to personal tragedies. The leader needs to be flexible here. Also if this section becomes to long, it might be possible to ask everyone to be brief and then hear the full story outside the meeting. (25 minutes)
Spirit Conversation
The Spirit Conversation is an intentional conversation designed to allow the participants to discover personal insights and make personal decisions about their lives. Topics and suggested conversation questions are provided in the Small Group Resources page. (25 minutes) Most often, the conversation is not specifically religious in nature but the leader, by asking the right questions, can allow participants to consider the topic in a profound way.
Break
During this time, the host often provides some refreshment and the member engage in free conversation. (10 minutes)
Study
Potential study material is provided on the Small Group Resources page but each group will probably want to set its own study agenda. (45 minutes)
Business
The business of the group is typically deciding where the next meeting will be held, assigning various responsibilities and deciding what studies or external actions actions should be addressed. Occasionally, serious group self-evaluations need to be held and the business segment is a good place to do that. (8 minutes)
Departing Ritual
The Departing Ritual is generally performed by the host or group leader. See Small Group Resources. It is sometime the mirror of the Gathering Ritual. The ritual is a way of sending the group out into the world as ambassadors of Christ. Again, a well known, meaningful but simple and short ceremony can be used. (2 minutes)