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Gifted Small Groups Worship Resource

A peaceful space to grow together

Advent can be a noisy season – full of activity, expectation and distraction. This small group resource is designed to offer a different kind of space: peaceful, reflective and real. A place of gezellig (a Dutch word that captures warmth, belonging and comfort in the company of a few others). A chance to pause, connect with others and listen for God together.

These sessions, featured below in HTML format, are for anyone who wants to grow as a disciple of Jesus, alongside others. They’re rooted in the Advent lectionary and shaped by simple, thoughtful conversation. All that’s needed is a willingness to listen, share and make space for others.

We’ll provide all the content: a short summary of the biblical text, plus simple questions to help your group reflect together. There are no ‘right answers’ – just space for people’s experiences, questions and insights.

Hosting a group

You don’t need to be an expert theologian to lead – but you do need to be a good host. That means:

  • creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels seen and valued
  • sticking to time (start and finish when you say you will)
  • helping everyone contribute equally
  • being gentle and kind with people’s stories and emotions
  • encouraging guests to connect with each other, not just with you.

It’s often the little things that make the biggest difference – a warm drink, a homemade cake, a seat that’s been saved, an invitation to speak. Think hygge (a Danish and Norwegian word describing a contended mood) – to form an atmosphere of calm, safety and care. You might ask guests to contribute snacks or help with setup. Just be sure to check for any dietary needs.

Group size and setup

Groups of 6–10 work well. With fewer, you may miss out on a variety of perspectives; with more, it’s harder to create a sense of intimacy and trust. If you have more than 10 people, think about dividing into smaller groups. Ask everyone to silence their phones (unless needed for emergencies) so you can be fully present to one another.

Using the resource

Use the Bible reading and biblical summary as a springboard for your own conversation. The accompanying questions are designed to prompt discussion – not to test knowledge. Use what’s helpful, skip what isn’t and let the Spirit guide your conversation.

All sessions are available below in HTML format, though you may access the Gifted Small Groups Worship Resource as a PDF if you prefer!