small group justice ministry

SGJM: Small Group�Justice Ministry

is SGJM?

A LEARNING�COMMUNITY

THAT

Reflects on & learns

from action

Applies learning to

future action

Takes action for

justice

A LEARNING�COMMUNITY

THAT

Reflects on & learns

from action

Applies learning to

future action

Takes action for

justice

A LEARNING�COMMUNITY

THAT

Reflects on & learns

from action

Applies learning to

future action

Takes action for

justice

A LEARNING�COMMUNITY

THAT

Reflects on & learns

from action

Applies learning to

future action

Takes action for

justice

A LEARNING�COMMUNITY

THAT

SGJM?

SGJM? 1. because congregations are NOT

conveniently gathered groups of individuals waiting to be deployed by social change organizers

1. because congregations are NOT

2. because congregations WANT

SGJM?

WANT

BELOVED COMMUNITY

WITHIN and BEYOND the congregation

BELOVED COMMUNITY

matters as much as WHAT we do together

3. because HOW we are together

4. because people of faith long for BOTH

5. because faith formation is LIFE LONG

SGJM:

find the people

Whether or not you already know what issue you will address…

Cast a wide invitation to the congregation.

Go for a mixed group in terms of age, experience, race, etc.

Small groups should be 8 to 12 in size.

GOT MORE?

Make more groups!

And then, �first

things first.

COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT

COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT

COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT COVENANT YES! Start there.

If you already know what issue you will address…

DIVE IN!

OTHERWISE?

Discern Together

Discern Together

To what are we called?

Discern Together

To what are we called?

What makes us come alive?

Discern Together

To what are we called?

Who are our

neighbors?

With whom can we

partner?

What makes us come alive?

Discern Together

To what are we called?

Who are our

neighbors?

With whom can we

partner?

Resources?

Theology?

What makes us come alive?

Discern Together

To what are we called?

Who are our

neighbors?

With whom can we

partner?

History?

Resources?

Theology?

What makes us come alive?

Impact?

remember:

The issue is not the issue.

remember:

“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting our time.

But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine,

then let us work together.”

- Lilla Watson, Aboriginal activist.

remember:

The issue is always liberation and transformation.

SGJM�

The great leveler across difference. E PATHY

Practice 1.

The great leveler across difference. E PATHY

u  for each other

u  for partners

u  for ourselves

Practice 2.

Companioning

Practice 2.

being present

Practice 2.

•  face to face

being present

•  in solidarity

• growing trust • bearing witness

Practice 3.

Soul Work

Practice 3.

Soul Work

Soul Work

Soul Work

Practice 4.

Story Telling

Practice 4. u  relate a direct experience

Practice 4. u  relate a direct experience

u  reflect on feelings

Practice 4. u  relate a direct experience

u  reflect on feelings

u  what metaphor, parable or scripture offers meaning to this story

Practice 4. u  relate a direct experience

u  reflect on feelings

u  what metaphor, parable or scripture offers meaning to this story

u  name the difference this makes

Practice 5.

Reflection

Practice 5.

Reflection

u  What was stirred in me by our action?

Practice 5.

Reflection

u  What was stirred in me by our action?

u  How was I [were we] a companion?

Practice 5.

Reflection

u  What was stirred in me by our action?

u  How was I [were we] a companion?

u  What knowledge, skills or attitudes do I/we need to learn in order to grow understanding and trust?  

Meeting Agenda Hour 1

u  Read Covenant Aloud

u  Short Chalice Lighting (2 min)

u  Soul Work (13 min)

u  Story Telling (20 min)

u  Group Reflection (25 min)

Meeting Agenda Hour 1

u  Business: next steps based on shared intention

u  Closing – extinguish chalice

Hour 2

Meeting Agenda

The increasing ability to u  live in connection u  make commitments beyond one’s

self u  enjoy one’s life u  live with integrity in the face of

frustration, failure, and loss

SGJM

This is a

Production

Developed and created by Hilary Allen, Meck Groot and Deborah Holder. We encourage you to share this presentation. We give permission for you to use it toward

creating Small Group Justice Ministry in your congregation or organization.