Create a Session of Your Own

To assist members and facilitators in creating sessions, we have provided content resources, downloadable templates (see the column at left), and some general advice on how to structure a Small Group session.

When you use other people's words—in quotes, poems, or any other form—please remember to include the author's name and the source you used.

What's In a Small Group Session?

The structure and rituals that we use in our Small Groups are designed to create a safe space where we feel comfortable sharing with each other and exploring how our beliefs and values affect how we live our lives. Within this general structure, individual sessions vary widely, depending on the topic and each group's preferences.

  • Chalice Lighting brings the group together, creating a "sacred space."
  • Silent Reflection provides a moment for members to center themselves, to calm down after the rush of getting to the meeting on time, and to become ready to listen deeply to each other throughout the gathering.
  • Check-In allows members to share any joys and concerns, to let the group know how they are doing. We often end with another reflection to honor what everyone has shared, and to help members transition to the gathering's topic.
  • Topic Exploration varies from session to session, but most topics focus on something that members can relate back to their lives. This section typically includes time for each member to share their views individually and, if there is time, in an open discussion.
  • Likes & Wishes/Check-Out gives members a chance to share how they're feeling, whether there were parts of the Small Group gathering that were particularly meaningful to them, or if there were things they'd like to change in future gatherings.
  • Closing Reading/Extinguishing Chalice brings the gathering to a close, allowing members to keep the spirit of being heard and know with them as they leave the gathering.

Variations

Is your Small Group ready for something different? Try changing how your group:

Reads Aloud

Most, if not all, sessions include at least one reading; for variety, try using a mix of methods:

  • Single Reader. Either a member volunteers or the facilitator chooses a member to do the entire reading.
  • Round the Circle. One person starts the reading, and members proceed around the circle reading lines from a poem, quotes from a bowl, etc.
  • Responsive. The group divides into two, and reads alternating lines or paragraphs. Some of the selections from our Singing the Living Tradition Hymnal are specifically designed to be read in this fashion.
  • In Unison. The group reads the selection together. It helps to remind members to read slowly, so that everyone stays in synch.
Explores a Topic

Be creative! There are many way to stimulate thoughts on a topic:

  • Read a poem or two, a collection of quotes, excerpts from articles, books, or anything else that would be meaningful to your group.
  • Listen together to part of a sermon, a radio program, or podcast. Watch part of a video or DVD.
  • Have each member bring something meaningful from home - an object, a picture, a poem, etc. - and share this with the group.
  • Engage in an activity together - eat a special meal, sing, make collages, go for a nature walk, sit together in church, participate in a service project, attend a lecture, etc. - and then reflect on the experience.
Shares Thoughts

Use any technique for encouraging all members to share equally that you feel will work for your Small Group. Some methods include:

  • "Modified Popcorn." Members share as they are inspired, but all members share once (or pass) before any member talks again.
  • Round the Circle. One person starts, and members then proceed around the circle in one direction or the other. Members have a right to pass if they need more time before they speak. As another variation, try going around the circle twice to ensure that everyone has a chance to expand on their comments before moving on to an open discussion.
  • Writing. Members have some time to reflect and write down their thoughts before taking turns sharing some of these with the group. Ideally, the goal is to give members time to order their thoughts so that they spend the sharing time listening to each other, rather than thinking about what to say.
  • Drawing. Members have some time to reflect and to draw a picture or diagram that represents the topic to them. It is important to emphasize that this is about the ideas, not artistic talent (or lack thereof); stick figures are just fine. Once everyone has something on paper, each person takes turns explaining their drawing to the group.