Research Focus Groups: Developing Effective Discipleship Communities

Do you think it is important to have quality discipleship at Plymouth Central Hall?

Could you share your thoughts on discipleship and small groups in a semi-formal and safe setting?

Could you join one in-person focus group session?

 

This Research will explore:

• How effective small group communities are for discipleship at Plymouth Central Hall.
• How the current model can be developed as the church community grows.
• Authentic experience of small groups and discipleship at Plymouth Central Hall.
• A wide range of views from individuals, you do not have to be part of a formal small group at Plymouth Central Hall.

 

The focus groups will meet on either the 5th or 6th February at 7pm at Plymouth Central Hall, the group that you are assigned to will be communicated to you after filling in this form. 

If you are willing to take part please read through the information below and fill in the consent form at the end.

Thank you!!

 

 

Practical Theology Research Project Exploring Small group Discipleship

As a potential participant in a research project, it is important that you understand why the research is being done, what it involves and how your interests are protected. Please read the following information carefully. If you have any questions about anything you need, require any further information, or have any concerns, please contact the researcher Morgan Preston at 2019066@moorlands.ac.uk

1. Research Title

To what extent are small group communities effective for discipleship at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall and how can their current model be developed to maintain effective spiritual formation as the church community grows?

2. What is the purpose of the research?

The purpose of this research is to explore what could be the most effective model for small group discipleship at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall. The aim of this research study is to understand how the current discipleship structure can be developed to better align with the community, informed by authentic experience and practical theology literature.

3. Why have you been invited?

As part of the community at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall you are invited to share your own experience and thoughts. This is open to anyone who would consider Plymouth Methodist Central Hall as their home church. For this research I am looking for a range of participants both those who are and those that are not currently part of a small/home group communities at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall.

4. Do I have to take part?

Your participation is entirely voluntary and receives no reimbursement or payment for time. You are under no obligation to take part in this research project; however your participation is greatly appreciated. If you decide to take part, you will be asked to indicate your agreement, by signing a consent form. Should you decide not to take part, you will be able to keep a copy of this participant information document. You are free to withdraw your consent up to 4 weeks after your focus group meeting, for any reason, or without providing a reason. This date will be made clear at your focus group meeting.

5. What will happen if I agree to take part?

Participants will be invited to take part in a semi-structured focus group meeting on either Thursday 5th or Friday 6th February at 7pm with up to 7 other participants. This session will last no longer 90 minutes. You will be encouraged to contibute by sharing your thoughts and experiences in this time. No further participation is required after this.

6. What are the possible benefits and risks of taking part?

The data will be presented in such a way that no individuals are identifiable. Therefore, there is no risk of your individual views being made public. You are also under no obligation to take part in this research. The benefits are that you are able to input into the researcher’s development through their undergraduate studies at Moorland’s college, as well as providing insight for positive development at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall.

7. What happens if the research study stops earlier than expected?

If the study stops earlier than planned, you will be informed at the first opportunity.

8. What if something goes wrong?

If you have any complaints about the project, in the first instance you can contact the researcher, Morgan Preston (2019066@moorlands.ac.uk). If you feel your complaint has not been handled to your satisfaction, you can contact the Chair of Moorlands College Research Ethics Panel (researchethics@moorlands.ac.uk).

9. Will my taking part in this project be kept confidential? 

Every effort will be taken to ensure that no individuals or their responses are identifiable. When the results of the research are presented to others, this will be an analysis of all of the responses as a whole. Additionally, all identifiable data will be removed. Any data collected is stored securely on Moorlands College’s electronic software platforms. On completion the findings may be shared with the church's staff and leadership team for the purpose of developing their practice.

10. What will happen to the results of the research project?

This research is being conducted as part of a level 6 module (B631 Extended Project) at Moorland’s College, it is unlikely that these results will be published publicly.

11. Who is organising the research?

This research project is organised by Morgan Preston as a student at Moorlands College.

12. Who has ethically reviewed the project?

The project has been ethically approved by the Moorland College Research Ethics Committee.

Please fill in the details below, communication will be kept to a minimum for the sole purpose of information regarding this research project.

Research Title: To what extent are small group communities effective in discipleship at Plymouth Methodist Central Hall and how can their current model be developed to maintain effective spiritual formation as the church community grows?

Consent to take part in research

·       I agree to take part in the research study

·       I understand what my role will be and understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can withdraw up to 4 weeks after the focus group session, for any reason, or for no reason at all.

·       I have had the purpose and nature of the study explained to me, I understand what is expected of me, and I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the study.

·       I understand that I may not benefit directly from participating in this research.

·       I have been informed about steps taken to safeguard the confidentiality of the information I provide.

·       I understand that in any report on the results of this research my identity will remain anonymous. This will be done by changing my name and disguising any details which may reveal my identity.

·       I understand that extracts from my focus group may be quoted in a B631 Extended Project as part of the BA (Hons) Applied Theology at Moorlands College.

·        I understand that my data will be retained and processed securely in the manner explained to me and will be safeguarded.

·       All aspects of the Participant Information Document have been explained to me as required.

·       I understand that I am free to contact the researcher to seek further clarification and information at 2019066@moorlands.ac.uk