What is an Affinity Group?

It is a group of practitioners or people who work in a field of ministry. In Matthew 25 Initiative, it is those who serve in works of justice and mercy. These people gather together to share stories, encourage, learn from and pray for each other. Each group consists of practitioners and 2-3 leaders to guide the group time.

How do the meetings work?

We meet two times a year for 1.5 hours each time, including:

• Welcome and connecting

• Breakout into specific groups

• Practitioner Presenter offers equipping and stories

• Discussion and Interaction

• Prayer

How does one best participate and belong in these groups?

We always ground ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and our life in Christ, and we keep confidential everything sensitive shared. We limit the amount of time we speak, allowing everyone a chance to share. We are quick to listen/pray and slow to offer suggestions/advice — unless explicitly asked. And we remain aware that all our groups include elements of peacemaking and reconciliation as well as conversations around dynamics of race, culture, and multi-ethnicity that we greatly value.

What's the goal?

Our prayer for these groups is that they become “your people,” a safe place to share and ask questions, a joy to participate in, and a source of encouragement.