SMA Men’s Small Group (MSG) - A group (6-12) of men meeting routinely to grow in their faith and strengthen their relationship with God by working out their faith in fellowship with other men.

Discussions are not solely about knowledge of our Catechism or scripture.  Purpose of small group is to build trust and hopefully friendships so that eventually people can share things about their faith, which helps others and themselves.  We have had a few wow moments, but mostly examples of people sharing their questions, struggles, successes with aspects of their faith.  Typically, men are saying what others are thinking.  We will usually work through these types of issues together in a very non-judgmental way.  
 

Logistics

• Size is targeted at 6 to 12 members.  Good discussion occurs with about 5 to 8 participants.  Group caps out at 12 members so it doesn’t get too big.  This ministry will grow by adding groups.
• Meet weekly (or an agreed upon interval) for 90 minutes (or an agreed period of time) to faith share. 
• Meet at someone’s house (preferred) or at another location.  Currently using Zoom.  RSVP expected.  Most members agree that getting outside of the church building is a plus.
• Each session has a “Leader” who starts the session with a prayer, facilitates discussion (if needed), keeps time (never go over agreed upon duration) and ends with a prayer. Leader role is volunteer and is agreed upon at end of meeting for following session.
• Assigned reading (currently Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscover Jesus” book and a chapter from one of the 4 Gospels) prior to meeting.  Material is important but main purpose is to generate discussion.  The group members select the resource(s) used for discussion.  
• Committed participation - Group members should try to make each meeting if they do not have other more pressing commitments.  Currently getting about 60% to 70% of members attending each week.   

We currently have 3 separate “small groups” meeting weekly.
  

Some common recurring themes I have seen:

• Never really read the bible as a whole chapter and never really knew who the authors were.  Was not taught a lot about scripture growing up.  
• I was always taught to pray using rote prayer and never thought of my prayer as having a conversation with God or Jesus.
• I thought I was on track by going to church each week, but my eyes are really opening up to  God’s role in my life after discussing Rediscovering Jesus and the Gospel.
• It was as if Matthew Kelly was writing this chapter for me, like he knew me.
• I have a much deeper appreciation and understanding of God’s love for me.
• I was raised Catholic, went to a Catholic school and never learned a lot of what I have learned at these meetings.  
• My faith is so much stronger as a result of the MSG!

Difference between MSG and a bible study or the existing Men’s Prayer Group

• Our discussions are always about discipleship and Jesus’s message, but we will end up putting it into more of a personal context of how it impacts our life.
• Informal format as long as we are not straying (for too long) from discussing our faith.
• Usually about 10 minutes at the beginning of each meeting (before opening prayer) just to catch up with everyone on a personal level.
• A commitment to be in the group and attend consistently which helps build trust over time and where men are willing to talk about themselves or what God’s message means to them on a personal level.
• Environment for men to question what they have been taught or their current perspective on their faith for the purpose of getting input to strengthen their faith.  No fear to ask questions. 

We did a really big push for the Men’s Small Group initiative at the Alumni Cornerstone Retreat.  We devoted a few hours to demonstrate what it was about and held a version of a MSG at each table.   It went extremely well and now we have 3 groups.  

If you are interested in learning more about the Men’s Small Group, please contact Jim Robinson at 302 373-0265 or at [email protected].