At Hyde Park United Methodist, all of our groups
share four main characteristics. Groups will:

1. Include prayer and spiritual growth.
2. Coordinate their study resources through the Director of Adult Education and / or the Adult Education Team, and use them in a way that support the mission, vision, and core values of Hyde Park United Methodist.
3. Provide a safe and supportive environment, led by the Holy Spirit, where group members encourage and challenge each other to deepen their faith.
4. Serve together in the community and at Hyde Park.

 Short-Term Class   |   Long-term Class

Sunday School Group

Wesley Group  | Covenant Group

Start a New Group

Short-Term Class

• These groups are curriculum based, but can be started because of an affinity (i.e. women, men, parents, couples, young adults, etc.)
• Begins with a 6-8 week commitment to a study and the other people of the group. Group members can choose renew their commitment together and participate in another study.
• Meet weekly with a small group of adults participating in a Biblically based study for a minimum of six weeks. Meet at any time and day that is preset with the group.
• Groups typically meet for an hour and a half.
• After one year, a Short-Term Study Group decides if they are ready to become a Wesley Group.

Long-Term Class

• These groups are curriculum based, typically Disciple Bible Study or Companions in Christ.
• Begins with a high commitment to a study and the other people of the group. Group members can choose renew their commitment together and participate in another study.
• Meet weekly with a small group of adults participating in a Biblically based study. Meet at any time and day that is preset with the group.
• Groups typically meet for an hour and a half to two hours and fifteen minutes.

Sunday School

•  These groups are based on affinity or curriculum.
• Members of these groups are expected to commit, connect, and participate in this group experience.
• Meet weekly with a small group of adults participating in a Biblically based study on Sunday mornings at 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. for one hour.
• Leadership: Each group will have 2 facilitators or representatives who will participate in gatherings for training, support, accountability, and spiritual direction. 

Wesley Groups

Small groups, patterned after John Wesley’s class meetings,
provide opportunities for prayer, study, spiritual growth and ministry.
Throughout the Bible, living in covenant with God
always involved living in covenant with others.  

• Create Community
• Bible Study
• Serving Together
• Connecting with God

Covenant Groups

• Up to 7 persons who meet together for one hour each week to hold themselves mutually accountable for their discipleship.
  
  
• Guided by a covenant that they themselves have written, shaped by the Discipleship Pathway.
  
  
• Where Christians “watch over one another in love” by giving one other a weekly compass heading.
  
  
• Not where our discipleship happens, but where we make sure it happens.

Start a New Group

Below is the process for beginning a new group at Hyde Park United Methodist

1. If you're interested in beginning a new short or long-term study, please download and through ministry description for leading one of those groups here.
2. If you're interested in beginning a new Wesley Group, please download and read through:
   What is Wesley Group Ministry  and  Four Functions of a Wesley Group
   
   
3. Meet with Director of Adult Education about your experience and appropriate training.
   
   
4. Browse the recommended studies and see what interests you.
   
   
5. Meet with a co-facilitator.
   
   
6. Invite people to group through word-of-mouth and church-wide advertising.
   
   
7. Meet with your group. Establish a covenant with your group for how you will practice the four characteristics of a Wesley Group.