SMALL GROUP FORMATION

The first step into Every Church A Peace Church is to find a partner.

The second step for many, perhaps most, people is to join or form a small group which is committed to reflection, study, prayer and action on what it means to be a peace church.  Read, or download, a booklet "How to Start a Church-Based Peacemaker Group"  http://ecapc.org/howtostart.asp

Small groups are invited to register with the National Registry of Peace Churches. Click on the Register button to the left to consider this step. 

An ECAPC small group should have these characteristics:

1. Diversity -- First, denominational diversity, then age, sex, ethnic, and other diversities.
2. Shared Leadership -- Be clear about who is the on-going contact person, or convenor for the group, and who is leading each gathering (pass this around).
3. Focused Purpose -- Define which aspect of being a "peace church" you will explore, and carry through on that focus before moving on to other topics. Start with your understanding of Jesus. Jesus -- Bible Study
4. Serious Commitment -- Discuss the expectations of members such as attendance at regular meetings through the agreed term (8-12 months recommended), preparation for meetings, mutual interaction, support and accountability during and between meetings.
5. Balance of spiritual nurture http://www.jesusradicals.com  public action: Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) or Witness for Peace

PLEASE do phone our office 717.859.1958 for written resources from World Peacemakers, pioneers in the formation of small groups for peacemaking!  Or read the guidebook here http://ecapc.org/howtostart.asp

Resources for small group formation, study and action are located on the Resources page of this website.