Small Group Gathering Guidelines for Zimzum Discipleship

Small groups are essential in the life of disciples. Following Jesus is a team—rather than primarily an individual—endeavor. That’s because relationships are key. We were created by God so that we could be in relationship with others—with God, our neighbors, and the whole of creation. On this journey of Zimzum Discipleship, you are encouraged to form a small group of five to ten to engage this in community.

These small groups may already exist in your life: a vestry or bishop’s committee, a dinner group, a regular Bible study, or something else. Or perhaps this is an opportunity to form new groups that yearn for more spiritual connection and practice. Talk about this in your community and pray about what makes sense in your context, then coordinate with your ministry leader. As you begin, keep in mind a few basics about groups.

Small Group Basics

• Plan to meet at least once a month and perhaps even every other week.
• For governance groups incorporating this into a regular meeting, use the reading and reflection questions from the content study, for a total of 20-30 minutes.
• For other groups, plan to have more conversation, study, prayer, and fellowship for a total of 60-90 minutes.
• You’ll need to choose a facilitator to organize the meeting place, time, etc., The information necessary to lead—readings, questions, and the like—will be provided for you (up to four sessions for each topic).
• Groups can choose be open to new comers throughout the program (which runs 3 years). Discuss this early on in your time together.
• Groups can decide where to meet—at a church, in a home, or some other public space like a library. Food is not necessary, but it is always welcome.
• Make sure the group establishes norms or covenants about how you will be in community with each other during your time together (e.g., confidentiality; respect and mutuality for each other; and commitments around attendance, preparation, and hosting.)