Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

When a group such as a vestry gathers for a meeting or retreat, much of the time is spent as one large group. There are times, though, when it can be beneficial to break into smaller groups for a specific task or point of discussion. Small group work can lead to better engagement and increased collaboration among group members. 

• At the beginning of the meeting when people are filing in, have a bag of lollipops in different colors. Hand out the lollipops as people enter. When it’s time to form smaller groups, people can team up with others who have the same color of candy.
• If you have a group of 10–12 people and need people to break into pairs, have everyone stand in two circles (one circle on the outside and one inside) with the people facing each other. Have everyone shift by three people to the right and then they pair up with the person they are in facing. 
• To split the group in half, ask the group to cross their arms. Those who cross with their left arm on top form one group and the remaining form the second group. 

Once your smaller groups are in place, avoid rushing to give them directions on what to do next. Instead, encourage them to greet one another. Include a little time for people to talk and grow comfortable with each other.