SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
I count myself among life’s optimists. My glass is always three-quarters full-at least! At the same time, I really do try to avoid denial. When the glass gets empty, I do notice. I was thinking of all this recently in connection with how I think and write about Small Group Ministry. I could be accused of rose colored glasses and I would have no defense.
I know, and have written often that Small Group Ministry has been the source of much that is good for our congregation. Friendships have formed, support has been given and received, we have learned to listen to one another in a deeper way. We, as individuals and as a congregation have grown and changed with Small Group Ministry.
I have glossed over the reality that sometimes growth comes with pain and struggle. Participation in a Ministry Group means risking. Perhaps you will encounter a difficult personality, someone you would not have chosen for a friend. It will surely be a challenge to practice listening to this person. I would say this is a wonderful opportunity to grow. You might say you aren’t sure you want to grow in that particular way. It can happen that someone in your Group will say something that hurts you. You will need to decide how to respond. Will you address the individual? Will you bring it up to the Group? Will you decide that Group is no longer meeting your needs? How will you respond if you know someone is leaving your Group because of an unspoken resentment?
What if the resentment is addressed and not resolved? What are the responsibilities that Group members have to the Group, to the individual members of the Group and to themselves when there is conflict?
These are questions that have no right answer. They are questions that go to the heart of what it means to be an individual in a group and in a community. As challenging as these questions can be, struggling with them will provide an opportunity for personal discovery and growth.
I invite anyone who wants to know more to speak with me. Several Groups have openings!
And you are invited to the Open Group on March 21, either at 10:30 or 12:15 at 71 Winthrop St. Find out how a Small Group Session works.
Kathy Kellison, Small Group Ministry Coordinator