Small Group Resources
Why Small Groups?
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, established a small group while at Oxford University as a way for a handful of students to come together to study the Bible, pray for one another and to watch over one another in love that they might 'work out their salvation.'
From this small group, the Methodist movement grew. Nearly 300 years later, small groups are still an integral part of faith formation in the United Methodist tradition. Wesley believed that Christianity is, by nature, more than agreeing to a creed or set of beliefs. Christian faith is a relationship with God revealed in the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and lived out in the world with others.
Small groups are where disciples of Jesus Christ are nurtured in faith, hope, and love through relationships of mutual accountability and support. They provide a web of faithful disciples of Jesus Christ equipped and empowered to live out the Great Commandments (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
Resources for Ongoing Small Groups
Curriculum for Term-Limited Study Groups
Other Small Group Resources
- Troy Conference Media Library
- Cokesbury Small Group Curriculum for various age groups
- The General Board of Discipleship provides links to a number of small group resources including study programs, the American
- Upper Room Discipleship Resources is an online bookstore offering a wide selection of resources for United Methodist leaders and members
- Upper Room Spiritual Development Resources
- Upper Room Small Group Resources
- Igniting Ministry: A Media Campaign of The United Methodist Church
If you know of other Small Group resources, please contact us and share the resource.
If your church is using one of these resources and you are willing to answer questions and help other Troy Conference United Methodists-related churches considering the use of a small group study program, send the name of the program, the name of your church and a contact person's name and e-mail address to Sandra Brands. We will list your church as a resource for that curriculum or program.
