What are formation Groups?

Formation Groups (4+) are groups of 2-4 people that meet regularly (usually once a week) for an hour or so, to help each person become more intentional in doing what Jesus wants them to do in their lives. People who are part of such a groups want to grow spiritually and the aim of the group is build up spiritual strength and vitality by focusing attention of 4 things:

• Engaging in simple practices or disciplines that make a difference
• Seeking to encourage the use of each person’s God given gifts
• Actively working towards the development of character
• Openly and honestly being accountable to each other

4+ groups are flexible and varied – they are all unique. They are self-governing and are not limited by a specific curriculum. No-one is the leader and everyone is equal. They are fun and serious in equal measure. But they are not random or haphazard – they are a commitment and are planned. They are about people looking out for each other.

The groups are focused on helping each other become “people who naturally love God and love others”, and to help everyone to do this each person has a Formation Group Booklet on which they write what action they are aiming to do each week/fortnight/month. This could be some regular prayer or solitude, some fasting or service, some act of generosity or celebration to put on. They also write down the gifts and character of Jesus they are aiming to pursue, and the temptations they are trying to resist. The hour finishes with praying for each other to be filled again with the Spirit.