The UUCP started a Small Group Ministry in the fall, 2004. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about small group ministry. Provide feedback to the small group ministry committee in the form at the end of the page!

What size should a small group be?

The ideal group size is eight to ten people. The group should have at least three or four people plus the facilitator and never more than twelve, including the facilitator.

How often do small groups meet?

It is recommended that the group meet twice a month but may opt for once a month or even weekly.

Where do small groups meet?

In someone's home (if a quiet, private, living room- like setting is regularly available) or at church.

A Covenant!? What's that all about!?

During the second or third meeting, agree on a behavioral covenant-on how members wish to be with each other. This could include things like where will the group meet, will meetings be confidential, how long is check in, how will we share time and more. The covenant will include those items that are important to the group. Later, agree on at least one service to perform for the church each year. Twice a year, find a way of doing, as a group, something beneficial in the larger community.

What does the facilitator do?

A facilitator is an individual who has been chosen and trained by the minister. The minister then facilitates a covenant group for facilitators so that the training and support is ongoing and shared. Facilitators do not teach nor do they provide content for the group's discussions. They do assist each group with their process by helping them start and stop meetings on time, reminding the group of their covenant, making sure everyone has equal time to share, etc.

Why does each group have an empty chair at each meeting?

Always keep at least one chair empty, to symbolize the open nature of the group and to suggest the expectation that a new group will be "born from" this group when membership gets to ten or so.

What happens at a small group ministry meeting?

• An opening reading from a Unitarian Universalist source (our hymn book contains enough material to sustain a covenant group for many, many months).
• A check-in period during which each person is asked to briefly state his or her answer to a question such as, What's on your mind today? What do you need to leave behind for a couple of hours in order to be fully present here?
• A time for the focus or purpose of the meeting. The topic or activity can be whatever the group prefers, so long as it is consistent with our Purposes and Principles and the mission of the sponsoring congregation. The focus should be more on sharing than on debating.
• The closing check-out. The facilitator asks each person for a word or phrase that says something about how she or he is feeling as the meeting draws to an end.
• A closing reading. Again, it should be from a standard Unitarian Universalist source.

How do I get in a small group?

Before small group ministry begins and at regular intervals during the year anyone may sign up to be in a small group. Meeting times will be offered and individuals may choose several preferred options. The final roster for each group is at the minister's discretion.