We had a lively discussion at our last CEF gathering exploring the book The Class Meeting by Kevin Watson. Here is my summation of our discussion regarding types of small classes/small groups.

Kevin Watson distinguishes three types of classes: Affinity Groups, Information-driven groups, Transformation-driven groups. We discussed the strengths and weaknesses of each at our last CEF meeting. We did note however, that some groups could contain elements of each. We even discussed that some things can be both a strength and limitation. For example, while vulnerability great, it also opens the door to damaging gossip. See if you would add anything to our list:

Affinity Groups

Ø  Strengths

o   Building relationships

o   Invitational or entry point

o   Can build trust

o   Usually only a short time commitment

Ø  Limitations

o   Only surface level engagement

o   Often appear to be a closed group

o   Often discontinuity within the group participants

Informational-driven Groups

Ø  Strengths

o   Structure

o   Control

o   Easier to communicate specifics about the group

o   Scheduled

o   Learn foundational theological language and tools

o   Long-standing

o   Build a level of trust and comfort (some community)

Ø  Limitations

o   Can be closed off

o   Not always aiming for life application

o   Doesn’t not always become challenging enough

o   Often personality driven

o   Often lecture oriented

o   Focus is often on the intellectual

Transformational-driven Groups

Ø  Strengths

o   Focus on Transformation

o   This focus can spread to other groups

o   Facilitates an encounter with Christ

o   Fosters deeper trust, intimacy, and community

o   Ability to foster vulnerability

Ø  Limitations

o   Requires trained, skilled teachers

o   Takes a while to develop depth

o   Could foster Gossip

Do you see some other strengths or limitations we did not mention? 

Using Your Grey Matter

I began my video by talking briefly about brain science.  How our “grey matter” works is really important as we consider faith formation.   In order to increase our effectiveness, we need to understand at least the basics if we want the people we lead to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Imagine you are on a long walk with a friend and the two of you are catching up as you walk.  Suddenly, a little Yorkie-poo dog starts barking and runs at you from behind a bush.  Your friend screams and starts climbing the nearest tree.  You think, “what a cute little dog,” and bend over to pet it.

What just happened in that moment?  You and your friend processed the same “inputs” into your brains, but you reacted very differently.  This example perfectly exhibits an important point about the brain.  Inputs associated to emotion travel faster than other inputs.  Perhaps your friend was attacked by a dog as a child and the Yorkie-poo triggered the emotion of fear.  Before his or her brain could rationally process the idea that the dog weighed about five pounds and was not a real threat, the emotional processes in the brain “outran” the rational processes.  Have you ever heard of “crimes of passion”?  This is the same idea…the faster “emotional processing” of the brain causes people to do things the person would otherwise never think of.

This is why sharing stories and storytelling are so important in faith formation.  A great story usually connects with several emotions within the listeners.  This in turn helps make the story…and the lesson…memorable.  Conversely, “lecture” style lessons that consist of a “stream of data” are usually the least effective and least memorable. 
Think back to your most memorable faith formation experiences.  Maybe they include retreats or confirmation or a Disciple Bible Study.   How did storytelling contribute to making those memorable experiences?  What emotions did those stories trigger within you?  How do you use or encourage stories when you facilitate?  Do you make intentional time to find emotional connections you have to your “content” (your topic or scripture)?

Rev. Chris Barbieri

Minister of Service and Administration

Rome First UMC