Each semester, a variety of different small group opportunities are offered on Greenville University’s campus. Small groups may be a Bible study, a life-sharing group, a book study, a topical discussion, or reflection upon current events, just to name a few possibilities. You can see what kinds of small groups we’ve had in the past here.
While a small group could take on many different forms, the purpose of all small groups should be two-fold:
Connect: A small group should build community by gathering to engage in authentic and supportive relationships. This is done by meeting together regularly and taking time to share in the lives of one another.
Reflect: Taking time to intentionally reflect on who we are, what we believe, and what we have experienced is the only way we learn and grow. A small group should reflect upon topics of faith and spirituality in some way so that participants can grow spiritually. While these discussions will tie in Christian themes or teachings in some way, participants do not need to be Christian to engage in a group.
Here are some important things to know about small groups:
- Students who attend one small group meeting earn one Spiritual Formation (SF) credit.
- While students aren’t required to attend the same small group every week, regular attendance at the same group will yield deeper opportunities for connection and reflection.
- Small groups can be led by students, University employees, community members, or a combination these populations.
- While most small groups meet on Mondays from 9:30-10:20 each week, small groups can meet at a variety of times. Contact the University Chaplain for more information about current small group offerings.
Interested in leading a small group?
University students, local pastors, or GU employees, can lead a group; in short, anyone can apply to be a small group leader!
Students are required to find a GU employee or community member to sponsor or co-lead the group. Students can contact the University Chaplain if they need assistance finding a sponsor/co-leader. GU employees, pastors, or community members are encouraged, although not required, to have a student co-lead the group with them.
Requirements to become an approved small group
Small groups must meet the following requirements in order to offer Spiritual Formation credits for those in attendance:
- Leader(s) complete the online application
- You will receive an email response regarding your application from the University Chaplain.
- Meet for at least 50 minutes (per session) on a regular basis throughout the semester
- Groups are encouraged to meet every week but can choose to meet biweekly or monthly.
- Take attendance at each meeting
- Record the student’s name and ID number on a spreadsheet and submit attendance to the University Chaplain via email within 48 hours of the meeting.
- Connect and Reflect
- While small groups can organize around a variety of different topics or purposes, all small groups must gather for meaningful connection with others and to reflect upon questions regarding spirituality.
- Complete an end-of-semester evaluation
- At the end of the semester, the Chaplain will send all small group leaders an evaluation form to assess the connection and reflection elements of the group. This form will also allow leaders to express if they would like to continue the small group the following semester.