Where two or three are gathered in my Name, I
am in their midst.
- Jesus
of Nazareth
(Matthew 18:20)
Welcome to the website for the Agape Circle research project!
The purpose of this
research project is to see if people who participate in a
faith-based small fellowship group experience greater social and
spiritual support and more compassion toward others.
Currently over 150 people have begun to actively participate in more than 30 Agape Circles across the United States, including the following locations: Tacoma, WA, Seattle, WA, Shoreline, WA, Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Redondo Beach, CA, Watkinsville, GA, Birmingham, AL, Greenville, SC, Randolph, NJ, Hunterdon County, NJ, Hempstead, NY, Cranston, RI, Mansfield, MA, Brookline, MA, Weston, MA, Dover, NH, Lancaster, PA, Broomall, PA, Akron, OH, Columbus, OH, Racine, WI, Palos Hills, IL, Swansea, IL, and St. Louis, MO!
Each
Agape Circle consists of approximately five to seven people, ages 21 to 65, who
are active members of the Greek Orthodox Church. One member of each Circle also functions
as the Facilitator and is approved by the parish priest. Each Circle
is meeting for about two hours once a week for seven weeks at someones
home or at the Church.
These meetings follow a special
curriculum emphasizing themes of fellowship and love.
This curriculum includes readings from the Bible and Christian wisdom literature, questions fo personal reflection, group discussion,
interactive activities, prayer and a hymn. Participants also commit to praying for each other between
meetings.
It is anticipated that those who participate will develop meaningful, Christ-centered relationships with each
other and become more compassionate toward others whom they encounter in
their daily lives.
Purpose of the Agape Circle: Fellowship (Koinonia) and Love (Agape):The Agape Circle is intended to provide a safe place for people to develop in fellowship and love. This will be measured through three brief, anonymous surveys that participants will fill out:
(1) seven weeks before the program begins;
(2) a day before the first meeting; and
(3) within two days after the last meeting.
These surveys will provide the primary data for research.
Possible Benefits of Participation:
It is anticipated that people who participate in the Agape Circle, will:
give and receive social and spiritual support
build close, personal relationships
become more sensitive about what other people feel
become aware of others needs and challenges
see themselves through the eyes of others
explore and clarify personal values and attitudes
practice the habit of giving positive reinforcement
(compliments, praise, encouragement)
contribute to enriching the lives of others
experience the acceptance and love of others
increase "emotional intelligence"
see how God works in the lives of others
improve listening skills
practice loving and being loved
grow in faith and love for God
These are anticipated benefits. However, this is an experiment and the results may be very different. Please help us find out!
Population and Selection Criteria:
For the purposes of research, participation in this project is limited to members of the Greek Orthodox Church who are regular participants in the weekly Divine Liturgy and who are from 21 to 65 years of age.
Qualified participants will also be people who:
are able to commit to attending all seven meetings and completing the three surveys
desire to know others and be known by others more deeply
are willing to engage with other people on a heart level
are willing to tell the truth about themselves
are willing to listen with compassion and care to others
are willing to lovingly challenge others to grow, and to be similarly challenged
want to grow spiritually
want to help others grow in faith and love
will pray for the other members between meetings
If there is more than one Agape Circle in a given parish, spouses, relatives and close friends may prefer to join separate groups.
What the Agape Circle Is Not:
The Agape Circle is not a substitute for professional counseling. Persons who are dealing with clinical issues such as depression, major anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, marital crises, etc. are advised to seek professional treatment from a qualified mental health clinician. If such therapy is in place, participation in the Agape Circle may be appropriate for persons confronting mental health challenges.
The Agape Circle is also not a substitute for the sacrament of confession. Self-understanding arising from participating in the Agape Circle may, however, inspire one to participate in the sacrament of confession. While confidentiality is strongly encouraged, it cannot be guaranteed in the Agape Circle as it is in the sacrament of confession. Participants should use discretion when self-disclosing in the Agape Circle (see Confidentiality below).
Questionnaires:
Data for addressing the research questions will be obtained through completing a survey at three points:
First, seven weeks before beginning the Agape Circle.
Second, one to two days before the first Agape Circle meeting.
Third, within two days following the seventh and final Agape Circle meeting.
It is anticipated that these surveys will require an average of 25 minutes to complete. They may be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com (see link on this website) and submitted electronically. If a participant does not have access to the Internet and needs to receive hard copies of the surveys by mail, these may be provided upon request.
If you would like to participate in an Agape Circle, please contact Deacon Markos at
coordinator@agapecircle.com.
E U C H A R I S T O
And
let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Apostle Paul
(Hebrews 10: 24-25)
Consent_Form_(Participants).pdf
