Small Group Guidelines
This information will be at each meeting for all participants to sign an agreement to abide by these guidelines.
This information will be at each meeting for all participants to sign an agreement to abide by these guidelines.
Safe Group
We will strive to create an environment where everyone can be real, open, and honest with their struggles and victories
Confidentiality
What is said in the group stays in the group. Please don’t bring extra people into the group. This is group for birth mothers only.
Listen
Let’s value one another during the discussions by listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond, or what you are going to say next.
Pause
Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing the chance to finish and the group the opportunity to consider what was just shared before responding.
Silence
It is important to allow silence in the group as it provides an opportunity for someone to share and for members in the group to process the topic or question being considered.
No "Cross-Talk"
Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations.
No Fixing
We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth, and point to Jesus. Don’t try to solve or fix each other.
No Rescuing
When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.
Sharing
Be sensitive about the amount of time you share.
Be Self-Aware
Be self-aware of how you are personally effecting the environment through your words, actions and non-verbal communication.
Use "I" Statements
It’s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use “I” statements rather than “them”, “the church”, “us”, “we”, etc.
Conflict
We will commit to resolve conflict biblically. When conflict or sin issues between group members arise, we want to make sure that we are honoring God and each other in the way we deal with these issues.
The following are just a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others).
The following are just a few key Scriptures in this regard (there are many others).
- If someone sins against you (Matthew 18:15-20)
- Restoring someone in sin (Galatians 6:1-5)
- Forgive a sinner (Colossians 3:12-13)
- Reconciling differences (Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 7:1-5)
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