Adult Study Groups

Groups can develop their own meeting process or use, for example, the following small group meeting format. (Approximate times for each part of the meeting are given.)

Opening

Prayer or song to bring the group together. (5 minutes)

Check-in

Brief time for participants to share how they're feeling as they begin the meeting. (20 minutes)

Prayer/Spiritual Practices

See spiritual nurture for some ideas. (20-30 minutes).

Group Interest

Whatever interest brought the participants together. (60 minutes)

Check-out

Brief time for participants to share how they're feeling as they end the meeting. This may include some journaling. (5 minutes)

Closing

Prayer or song to bring the meeting to a close. (5 minutes)

Resources

Rooted in the Divine: Nurturing Our Faith through Small Group Ministry

by Anne Martin (Toronto: United Church, 2004)

A resource to help congregations become attentive to the Spirit in their midst and to find ways to reflect the compassionate justice demanded of a community that is open to know and love God ever more deeply.