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Each group has its own "personality," but there are some "givens" that help make sure the group is on track in achieving its goals.
1. Common purpose: It's important that everyone agree, up front, on what they hope to gain from participation in a group. A rule of thumb would be to say that SCC's exist to help members connect everyday life and faith.
2. Simple structure: Whatever resources are used, it's helpful for groups to have a clear, simple format to follow, and some common focus for the conversation. It would be useful to go over these or similar ground rules for the group's way of operating at the very first meeting, every time a new member joins the group, and periodically for the life of the group.
3. Mutual respect: People need to be free to speak without interruption; to name their experience without having to justify or "correct" it; to have their opinions valued; to be listened to attentively; to be silent; to share at the level at which they feel comfortable. Being on time is also an important sign of respect.
4. Hospitality: Groups prosper when members feel welcome. If people don't all know each other, use name tags until they do. Make sure newcomers are coached on what's happened before. When people meet in homes, make sure the meeting will be relatively private and free of interruption. Keep in mind the example of the Lord who welcomed all.
5. Consistency: Because it takes time to establish trust, it's important that the group membership be the same, as much as possible, from meeting to meeting. Not knowing what will be happening or who will be there from one time to the next makes a lot of people anxious; consistency helps make them comfortable and saves time.
6. Honesty: The heart of SCC's is swapping stories of faith and struggle and real life. If people feel sufficient trust with each other, they will share more deeply. For that to develop, the conversation must be genuine, even when that feels a little risky.
7. Focus: Most groups need one member to act as a "facilitator," to help the conversation stay on track. The point is not to complete an arbitrary task, but to make sure people are talking about things that really matter to them and are relevant to the goals of the group.
8. Confidentiality: Sometimes the sharing in an SCC involves deeply personal stories. Members need to commit themselves at the start to keeping what's said and heard in the group private. Trust requires confidence.
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