This is as simple as it gets, but easily overlooked. Telling our own story, while others listen attentively, and hearing those of others, builds trust and community. So find some ways to hear each other’s stories. For example…

1. Have simple questions like “what would a snapshot of you when you were thirteen show us?”

2. Each time you meet, set aside up to an hour where one member of the group tells their own story. They could bring photos or other props. Then the whole group does some sort of simple creative prayer for that person. Keep this going, either each time you meet, or periodically, until everyone has had their turn. New people may join and therefore have missed some of the process, but they’ll still pick up the level of trust and openness in the group.