Guidelines for a successful Small Faith Sharing Group
In order to create a trusting and non-judgmental environment for sharing, some general rules and covenant agreements are established at the beginning of the life of the group. For example:
- Faith sharing is a simple sharing of our experience that affords the opportunity to reflect on and recognize God's activity and presence in our daily lives.
- It is a time to be heard and to honor a moment in our lives.
- The gift of the group is to listen to the speaker offering hospitality and a safe place for the speaker to notice and express his/her thoughts and feelings.
Faith Sharing Principles and Guidelines
When we gather as Catholics to share our faith & grow together in community, it is important that we adhere to certain principles. The following Theological Principles & Small Community Guidelines will keep our community focused and help us to grow in faith.
Principles
- God leads each person on a spiritual journey.
- Christ, the Word made flesh, is the root of Christian faith. It is because of Christ, that we come together to share our faith.
- Faith sharing refers to the shared reflections on the action of God in one’s life experience as related to Scripture & the faith of the Church. Faith sharing is not problem solving, or Scripture study.
- The entire faith-sharing process is an expression of prayerful reflection.
Guidelines
- Constant attention to respect, honesty & openness for each participant.
- Each participant shares on the level where one feels comfortable.
- Silence is a vital part of the total process. Participants are given time to reflect before any sharing begins.
- Participants are encouraged to wait to share a second time until others who wish to do so have contributed.
- The entire community is responsible for participating and faith sharing.
- Confidentiality is essential, allowing each participant to share honestly.
- Action flowing out of the small community meeting is essential for the growth of the participants & the community.