Thrive Small Groups

 

Each night following the large group meeting, Thrive participants will break into small groups separated by gender. These groups will be “mixed issue” meaning that Thrive does not believe in the “birds of a feather” philosophy of most recovery models. Instead, Thrive participants will share their struggles, victories, gratitude and prayer requests with others they feel comfortable with. Since we (thankfully) do not identify with a struggle or a sin, we can not divide into struggle or sin groups. Further, Thrive believes the many benefits to mixed issue groups far out way any reason to separate them. 

​

The small groups should be limited to no more than 10 if possible. Small Group Leaders will keep the share time (depending on the number in the group) and the focus on the group shares to ensure participants don’t get off track or abuse other’s time. Remember, this may be the only time some attendees feel they are actually “heard” all week. Occasionally, Small Group Leaders will need to re-direct during a share to re-establish control.

 

Boundaries keep people safe. When participating in Thrive Small Group meetings each person chooses to keep the following boundaries. If a person does not honor these boundaries, they are choosing to suspend or end their participation.

 

​

Small Group Boundaries

 

Boundaries keep people safe. If you choose to attend and participate in THRIVE small group meetings, you are choosing to keep these boundaries. If you do not honor these boundaries, you are choosing to suspend or end your participation.

 

Privacy:

Group integrity begins with trust. All participants must trust that the people in the group will protect this trust by keeping what is shared to themselves. The only exception is if someone threatens suicide or harm to someone else. For reasons of privacy, cell phones are not allowed during share group other than use as a time keeping device.

  

Equal Time:

Group equality begins with time. A participant’s validation is violated the moment someone in the group believes what they have to say is more important than what others have to say. Each person in the group will have an equal opportunity to share with equal time.

  

Respect:

Group validity begins with respect. Participants are validated when others in the group listen and pay attention to what they have to share without interruptions or distractions. Share time is also not the place for advice or suggested remedies for what is shared. Please respect all members by not using foul language.

  

Process:

Each participants progress depends on that person’s dedication to the process. Turning our personal agendas over to God, working all of the program, following the teachings and regular in-person participation is essential.

  

• What can I find to be thankful for this week?

• Where have I seen God working in my favor this week?

• What do I need others to be praying for in my life this week?

• Today’s large group questions or teaching.

 

 

Share Group Boundaries

 

Sharing with each other is essential in personal growth, healing, building community and fostering and developing relationships. Should you choose to share please remember the following guidelines:

           

1. We respect your privacy. Anything shared in our share group will not be repeated or shared unless someone’s safety is at risk.

2. Please keep your shares focused on you and those things happening in your life now.

3. Please do not use offensive or graphic language.

4. Please be respectful of others and keep your shares within the allotted time.

5. Please be attentive (no cell phones or side conversations). Please do not interrupt someone who is sharing.

6. We are not here to fix each other’s problems or give advice. We are here to listen, pray for each other and seek God’s will.

 

A productive way to share and get to know each other is to focus our shares on three areas:

• What do I need prayer for in my life today?

• What am I grateful for today?

• How did tonight’s lesson impact me?