By Helen Zidowecki, Jessica York

Small group ministry can be a way to help individuals build relationships, experience a greater sense of belonging, and feel supported in their spiritual journey in the congregation.

Acknowledgments
From Sharing the Journey

We would like to thank everyone who helped with this document, especially Eric Dawson, for sharing his Small Group Ministry Facilitator’s Training, and Peter Bowden, for his feedback and support. — the Authors...
Chapter 1: Exploring Small Group Ministry with Youth
From Sharing the Journey

Many of our congregations have embraced the use of small group ministry or covenant groups with adults. Small group ministry can be a way to help individuals build relationships, experience a greater sense of belonging, and feel supported in their spiritual journey in the congregation. The...
Chapter 2: Planning and Implementation
From Sharing the Journey

Once you have chosen to explore small group ministry with youth, you will have decisions to make about several aspects of the program. In this chapter, we will discuss some of these decisions. How and where will sessions be used? Some options are: As weekly curriculum for a religious education or...
Chapter 3: Sample Facilitator Training
From Sharing the Journey

This two-part training is based on the work of Eric Dawson and adapted by Jessica York. The training sessions, 90 minutes each, may be used with facilitators of any age. If the group plans to rotate facilitation among all participants, consider conducting training for the entire small group.
Chapter 4: Sample Sessions
From Sharing the Journey

The sample sessions included here follow the format outlined above. A variety of focus material is used. Most sessions can be completed in an hour or less....
Chapter 5: Sample Multigenerational Service Model
From Sharing the Journey

Use this model for a service project involving multiple ages. Session A, The Project, and Session B provide the framework for planning, implementing, and processing a Christmas service project for a nursing home. Adjustments can easily be made to use the model for other holidays or different...
Chapter 6: Sample Youth Conference Model
From Sharing the Journey

This is a model for using small group ministry within a youth conference. The theme for this example is "Same, But Different." Sessions can be facilitated by teams of a youth and an adult or by two youth. Session facilitators will need to review their sessions ahead of time. Weekend Schedule,...
Chapter 7: Next Steps in Your Congregation
From Sharing the Journey

Small group ministry invites youth into a relational and spiritual focus in the context of your congregation. It can serve youth as an invitation to and preparation for broader, long-term congregational connection and involvement....
Bibliography
From Sharing the Journey

Peter Freeman Bowden, "http://www.smallgroupministry.net/members/Toward_a_True_Lifespan_Minist… a True Lifespan Ministry: Why we lose them" (Small Group Ministry Network Quarterly, Fall 2004) Center for Community Values, "http://www.smallgroupministry.net/members/S001_Developing_Roadmap_to_Co… a...

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Sharing the Journey: Small Group Ministry with Youth

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