Resources for Ongoing Small Groups

Covenant Discipleship is a small-group ministry in the Wesleyan tradition. Covenant Discipleship Group members covenant together to accompany one another on their discipleship journey and to hold one another accountable for their day-to-day efforts to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Groups meet weekly for one hour. The agenda is a covenant written by the group based upon the General Rule of Discipleship: To witness to Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through a process of mutual accountability and support for practicing the basics of Christian faith, members "watch over one another in love." Covenant Discipleship groups help to form people as dependable and mature disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in discipleship.

LIFE Groups is a geography or interest-based small-group ministry developed by The Church of the Saviour in Wayne, Penn. They believe that active involvement in a small group is the most effective way for Christians to learn to love one another. They also believe relationships built in small groups demonstrate to church members’ neighbors that they are disciples of Jesus because of the observable love that they have for one another. The church encourages all of its members to become part of a small group. Each group consists of four to twelve people who meet on a regular basis in homes, or at the church (at least every other week). The groups are formed based on shared interests, shared geography (Zones), shared ministry involvement, or a combination of the above.They are committed to creating a "mini-church" experience that helps us grow in our faith through: lessons for life (from Scripture), intimacy with God, fellowship and friendship, and extension of the Life to others.

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program from The Upper Room intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The "Emmaus community," made up of those who have attended an Emmaus weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. During and after the three days, Emmaus leaders encourage participants to meet regularly in small groups. The members of the small groups challenge and support one another in faithful living. The Chrysalis program is a similar experience for youth.