Small Christian Communities
The small Christian communities (SCC) such as St. Rose, St. Elizabeth and St. Teresa
communities, offer important avenues for genuine and supportive Church-community
collaborations. Specifically, the SCCs seek to positively influence individual lives of the faithful.
Towards this end, all Christian faithful in the Archdiocese of Nairobi are encouraged to be
members of SCCs.
In general, SCCs promote a number of characteristics and requirements that support their
mission and that of the wider Church. These guidelines, spanning group requirements,
expected group activities, election protocols and leadership responsibilities are presented in
detail below.
Group Requirements
a) Small: must be a manageable group of about 10-20 families who reflect the geographical, territorial and sociological aspects ofthe Church.
b) Christian: it is a Christcentered group of members who share one faith, one baptism, one love, one worship/liturgy, one mission and similar religious values. The Word and the Holy Eucharist are the pillars of the group.
c) Community: It is composed of individuals who share common interests, such as a neighborhood, ideas, life, property, etc., each according to his/her ability and needs. The SCC is the core unit of the Church of Christ, which is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Essential Activities
a) Meet together with the power of the Word of God.
b) Meet in small groups and at’ the Christian houses of group members.
c) Pray together in communion with the Universal Church.
d) Realize the Gospel in their lives.
e) Invite other Christians/families to meetings.
Leadership Responsibilities
Elections for Leaders
Each SCC selects by secret ballot the following positions:
a) Chairperson
b) Vice chairperson
c) Secretary
d) Assistant Secretary
e) Treasurer
Leaders serve a three-year term of not more than two consecutive terms. A candidate convert must have been officially received in
the Church and practiced as a Catholic for at least five years.
Leadership Functions
a) Facilitate in building relationships and commitment to all members.
b) Encourage members to practice Christian values.
c) Represent the members at the Church level and facilitate communication with the Church.