Where Two Or Three Are Gathered ...

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Mtt. 18:20






One of the best ways to nurture and develop our personal life of prayer is to do so in communion with others. When we come together with others who are seeking to grow in their life of prayer, we expand the opportunity the Spirit has to open us up to all the possibilities the Lord has in store for us. As the new Evangelists, we help each other see how the Spirit is working in each one, how different gifts are measure out to each, increasing the fruitfulness of our efforts. This is a microcosm of the whole Church, and is carried out in communion with the Church.

How does one become a part of such a group? In our parishes and through the sponsorship of diocesan programs, various groups can be found, i.e. Bible Study, Faith Renewal, etc. Some of these may be expressly focused on the New Evangelization in the Church. However, there is something unique in the way a group is formed around, Growing in Personal Prayer <+> Life in the Spirit <+> New Evangelization. Elements of Bible Study, Faith Renewal and Evangelization programs can be incorporated. But equally present and important must be a focus on the shared experience of the Grace of Renewal, (Baptism in the Holy Spirit); the nature and benefits of which we have explored in these recent posting. This gives such groups a unique character, which I believe equips them for participation in the New Evangelization.

SMALL GROUPS: Points For Consideration

• Beginning with two or three, and up to twelve for best results.
• Can be of mixed company.
• Follow a structured approach for their gatherings.
• Have insight into the dynamics of small groups.
• Remain in association with a parish.
• Employ a method of discernment concerning the group.

To help facilitate this recommendation, I have prepared a model that you might find helpful. 

"Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure.

Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; and those who fear the Lord will find them.” 
Sirach 6:14-16

Whenever people gather in a small group format, the whole gambit of human interaction comes with them. The key to success for small groups, is based on an understanding of the way people interact in groups and having well structure approach for achieving the group's goals.

I have found this book by, Neal F. McBride, to be an excellent resource of information and strategies for conducting small groups.