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: We grow when we take time to intentionally reflect on who we are, what we believe, and what we have experienced. 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 Office of Spiritual Formation (spiritualformation@greenville.edu) 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, although all small groups will need a GU employee involved in leadership of the group.
Students can contact the Office of Spiritual Formation if they need assistance finding a co-leader.
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 Office of Spiritual Formation.
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 spiritualformation@greenville.edu via email within 48 hours of the meeting.
Meet to 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 Christian faith and 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.
Important Small Group Dates Spring 2026:
Applications due: January 26
Small Group Informational Fair: Wednesday Jan 28, 9:15am-9:30am and 10:20-10:45am
First small group meeting: any time on or after Jan 28
Student Leader Training- Jan 30, 9:30am
No small groups during Spring Break (March 7-15) and Easter Break (April 3-5)
Final small group meeting: at the latest, Monday, May 11