REUNION GROUP INFORMATION (Open AND Closed)
One of the key components and teachings of Tres Dias is to encourage small groups of Christians to meet together on a regular basis to share their pilgrimage.  In Tres Dias lingo, these meetings are referred to as “Reunion Groups”.  (In other contexts, they are also known as Share Groups, Cell Groups, Home Groups, etc).  Whatever the name, the purpose is to develop vital, dynamic, and loving relationships with a small number of other believers; people who can be vulnerable and accountable to each other. This requires commitment and a solid focus on confidentiality.

There are two types of Reunion Groups:

OPEN REUNION GROUPS: These are small groups that are open to anyone in the community who desires to attend. They are hosted by experienced Pescadores who are willing to be facilitators. These groups are an ideal way to meet like-minded Pescadores with the goal of eventually breaking off into their own Closed Reunion Groups. The downside of the Open Groups is that the amount of consistency, intimacy and sharing is less since there are always new people coming and going. New Pescadores should be encouraged to attend one of these groups as a starting-off point.  Click here for a schedule of our Open Reunion Groups.

CLOSED REUNION GROUPS: These are the “gold standard.” These groups are private; meaning that they are not open to others without an invitation; usually agreed to by the group as a whole. Since they’re closed, the participants can develop greater accountability, trust and honesty since the group remains consistent and become more involved in each other’s lives.

REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE: Reunion Groups can meet weekly, biweekly, or on whatever schedule the group feels is appropriate for them.  They come in every shape and form and can:
  • Consist of married couples, singles, or a mix of  both.
  • Have diverse ages and backgrounds
  • Meet at people’s home, in the workplace or at a convenient central location such as a diner.  Where the group meets isn’t important.  What is important is that an atmosphere of  love, trust and vulnerability can be established.
  • It is permissible, and even encouraged, to have non-Pescadores in the group as long as they are compatible with the group.  Actually it’s a great way to sponsor a potential candidate.

CONTENT OF A REUNION GROUP:  The content of a Reunion Group is whatever the group as a whole decides is appropriate for them.  The hallmark of a Reunion Group, that separates it from other small group activities, is that each participant have the opportunity to share their Piety, Study and Action. In addition to sharing Piety, Study and Action, Tres Dias recommends that there should be a time of prayer and refreshment. Some activities that different groups have found helpful include:
  • A short Bible study can be included. But keep in mind that a Bible study, in itself, does not qualify as a Reunion Group because of the lack of sharing and accountability (see below).
  • A period of Praise and Worship; particularly those groups who have folks with musical talent.
  • Full meals:  While some groups prefer just having snacks, others rotate between homes and have either a pot luck dinner or the host may provide the food.
  • Palanca and Sponsorship: Some groups spend time writing personal and general palanca for upcoming weekends while supporting candidates that each are sponsoring.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BIBLE STUDY AND A REUNION GROUP:   People often ask if their bible study qualifies as a Reunion Group.  The answer is it MIGHT, or (more often) it might NOT – here’s why:
  • The main goal of a Reunion Group is to develop transparency, accountability and trust.  This is accomplished by sharing each others’ lives, celebrating each other’s accomplishments, supporting each other in our failures, being a loving resource, and learning to lean on each other in our Christian walk.  Much of this is done as we share the more intimate aspects of our Piety, Study and Action in a small group setting.
  • Most Bible Studies involve people getting together to learn the meaning and application of scripture, with conversations of a more general, less intimate nature.
  • IF your Bible Study includes the main aspects of a Reunion Group as noted above (transparency, accountability and trust) then it may very well be a Reunion Group.  Consider these questions:
    • Do you feel comfortable enough with the others in the Bible Study to call on them for prayer or for assistance in helping you deal with problems you’re facing?
    • Is there a time during the Bible Study that you and the others can genuinely share your Piety, Study and Action?
    • Do you know the people in the Bible Study well enough to be transparent and accountable to them?
    • If the answer to the above is YES, then your Bible Study may very well qualify as a Reunion Group.

HOW SHOULD A REUNION GROUP BE ORGANIZED?  There are no hard or fast rules since the “personality” of each group will be different.  Most groups include some food; whether snacks or full meals (what’s Tres Dias without food??).  Most will allocate some time for getting caught up with each other’s lives and general conversation.  Some groups will focus specifically on discussing Piety, Study and Action whereas others will find that those topics have been incorporated in their conversations.  Again, the goal is to develop strong relationships focusing on accountability and trust; with the discussion of Piety, Study and Action being tools to achieve those goals..  Here are some conversation starters that some groups use, but obviously you need to use whatever is best for your group:

PIETY:
  • When did I feel most in need of Christ?
  • When did I feel closest to Christ?
  • When was I most aware of Christ’s presence?
  • When was I most aware of Christ’s presence?
STUDY:
  • What have I done to better understand the Word of God?
  • How have I used what I have studied and what does it mean to me?
  • How can I be more effective in my study?
  • Do I have a plan to help my study be more God centered?  (Is the plan working?)
  • What was a significant study experience?
  • How did my experience help in relating to God or others?
ACTION:
  • What success or failure did I experience?
  • In my family? In my work?
  • In my church or parish?
  • In my community or neighborhood?
  • Among my friends?
  • In my broken world?
  • How did I fulfill last week’s plan?
  • What am I planning to do next week?
  • How can I be more effective for Christ?

​If you are interested in starting a Reunion Group, let your Secretariat know by writing or calling

Make a friend; Be a friend; Bring a friend to Jesus!”