"THE 7 C'S"

Small groups can be exciting growing experiences. They can also be
awful! Simply bringing together a group of people hoping to learn
and grow together is not sufficient to have a positive experience.
Small groups require of their members and leaders both art and
science—Art because each group is unique with particular characteristics
and behaviors; Science because there are rules governing the activity
of people in groups just as the laws of nature describe what happens
when you walk off a cliff. The following list is designed to help you
avoid some of the most common pitfalls in beginning a group and to help
you think through the most important issues in group life.

1. Covenant or Contract: A shared understanding of the group's purpose
   and the general means that will be used to achieve that purpose.
2. Commitments: The disciplines which the group is willing to adopt
   in order to accomplish its purpose.
3. Caring: The quality of life together in which members learn how to
   love each other and develop caring in all of life.
4. Content: The growing edge of study and reflection usually centering
   in the Scriptures in order to know God and ourselves better.
5. Communication: The glue which binds all relationships together and
   which connects members with each other and, through prayer, with God,
6. Crying, Conflict and Congruence: Feelings are an important part of
   life together and need not be denied, delayed or despised.
7. Jesus Christ: The Center of Community without whom good meetings
   can be held but life will not be transformed.

Developed by Roberta Hestenes