The Small Group Institute offers an opportunity for laity and clergy to learn more about the history of small groups, its theology and the important role of a small group leader as groups are formed and developed. This year’s institute will help people interested in working with small groups understand their spiritual gifts, how to be a leader, the dynamics of a small group, the design of a small group, how to choose curriculum, as well as how to go beyond the church walls and reach out to others.

Barry Bryant, Associate Professor of United Methodist and Wesleyan Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will be the presenter at the Small Group Ministry Institute, October 11, 2008 at Sycamore UMC.

Bryant has also served as Associate professor and chair of Wesleyan Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary and professor at Wesley Theological Seminary. He has taught at King’s College, London. In addition to his teaching duties in a variety of seminary setting, he has served as pastor of the Antioch-Macon Circuit, Memphis UM Conference, Germantown UMC and First UMC – Columbia in Tennessee. He is the author of a number of scholarly articles.

This institute will encourage, engage and empower those attending so they may offer small group ministry in their local churches.

The Small Group Ministry Institute will begin in the fall of 2008 and conclude in the fall of 2009. Those who attend all six training sessions will be certified as Small Group Ministry Leaders.

Cost: $10 per session or $50 if registering for all six sessions. All sessions will be offered twice at two different sites, Sycamore United Methodist Church and Elgin: First United Methodist Church. Sessions will be held from 9 AM – 3 PM.

Elgin First UMC: 216 East highland Avenue, Elgin, IL, 60120 - map
Sycamore UMC: 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore, IL, 60178 - map

For questions concerning this Institute contact: Jean Bush at jbush@umcnic.org

For more information on Harvest 2020, please go to www.harvest2020.org