Monday 1 September 2014

Small Group Ground Rules

When a group is first established, it's a good idea to setup some ground rules that people all adhere to.  The aim is to make the group a safe place where people can be challenged to grow and not be hurt or offended.

Here is a suggested set of rules.  You can choose to modify these.  You could also print out a copy for each member to serve as a reminder.  These ground rules are adapted from the "Careforce Recovery Facilitator Training" notes.

1.I agree that what is spoken in the group stays in the group.  Confidentiality is essential.  (A spoken commitment from each member is required.)
2.I agree to be personal, not abstract, when sharing needs, attitudes, feelings and causes.  "I" statements.  (If I wander off, please bring me back to the things relevant to the working group.)
3.I agree it is important to process past experiences that continue to make us less effective people today.  I also recognise it is equally important to move on and confront the issues that challenge me.  (I don't recognise/understand all the pieces of the puzzle - yet.)
4.I agree that intellectual opinions play no part in our discussions, except as they bear on our own lives.  (No debates.  We are to get into our lives and feelings and not theorize everything.)
5.I agree that each person has a right to their feelings and will not be condemned for those feelings, even though they may be different from other group members.  (I will not push my advice onto someone else.)
6.I agree that we will be careful not to accuse or pass judgement on one another.  We are called to confess our own faults and deficiencies. (This is an opportunity for Gods grace to work on us)
7.I agree to give and receive feedback.  (Open to how we come across)
8.I agree to daily set aside time for study, reflection and prayer. (Creates flow, allowing continuity between weeks.)
9.I agree to replace "can't" with "I choose not to" and thereby learn to take responsibility for and control of my life.
10. I agree to make a long term commitment to myself and the group.