Project DNA
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What is Project DNA?
You were created to experience a deep personal friendship with Jesus Christ. You were created to form authentic friendships with others. You were created to share this way of life with every person. This is the spiritual DNA all of us have been created with. This is the core of what it means to live life to its fullest. This is the goal of Project DNA, to re-awaken the spiritual DNA within each of us.
- Friendship with God.
- Friendship with others.
- Multiplication by inviting every person into this way of life.
How does Project DNA help people live out their purpose?
The method that Project DNA uses to help people reach more meaningful friendship with Jesus and with others is a DNA group.
Why DNA Groups?
Each DNA group is a small gathering of people designed to help you foster deeper, more meaningful relationships with God and with others. DNA groups are a place where every person can experience what it means to be known, loved and cared for on a personal level. All of this can and should be happening naturally without the need for DNA groups, but that's often the exception, not the rule. In cultures that foster isolation and loneliness; in seasons of-life where pain, hurt, and fear drive us; in churches where anonymity is more common than being known; in these cases and others, we all need a little extra support to help us connect with God and others. A DNA group helps us do that.
Where do DNA groups meet?
DNA groups can meet at homes, at bars and restaurants, at coffee shops, in parks, or pretty much anywhere.
What does a DNA group gathering consist of?
At each DNA group gathering there will be some open-ended discussion questions surrounding a topic. The conversation is aimed at helping each person to live life in deeper friendship with Jesus and in deeper friendship with others. The goal is to get to know one another deeper as we all journey in life together towards God.
How long does a DNA gathering meet for?
A DNA group gathering usually lasts between an hour to an hour and a half.
What are the expectations for how often a DNA group meets?
DNA groups are designed to be organic and molded to the demands of the participants. Generally, DNA groups consist of people from the same affinities and stages of life. Parents with little kids might not have the bandwidth to meet as often as empty nesters, or singles, or college kids. In principle, each DNA group meets at least once a month, but can meet as often· as every week. The intentions are the same regardless of how often you meet; to grow in deeper friendship with Jesus, to grow in deeper friendship with others, and to invite others along for the ride.
How many times does a DNA group meet before it ends?
Each DNA group takes on a life of its own. It is ongoing in nature, just like all the other relationships in your life. There are natural peaks and valleys in every relationship that we have, and we like to think of a DNA group as having those same peaks and valleys. Once a group starts, we hope that it never ends!
How do I join a DNA group?
Each DNA group, by its nature, is always open to anyone, all the time, no exceptions! Participants can always be inviting others into their group. The third component of Project DNA is multiplication. A group that is "closed" to new participants is not truly embodying the Spiritual DNA we were created with. DNA groups believe that life is lived best when it is given away and life dies when it is not given away. Sharing, being open to others, hosting, inviting and investing in getting to know another soul, these are the characteristics that Project DNA aspires to bring about. If you'd like to get placed in a group, contact the parish office: Annie Clement at aclement@stjoeshawnee.org or 913-631-5983.
How many people can be in a DNA group?
A DNA group needs to start with at least 2, and ideally shouldn't get any larger than 12. The principle behind "12" is that there is typically a tipping point when it becomes more difficult for people to know, love, and care for others beyond a superficial level within a group. That tipping point is roughly "12".
What happens when the number of participants in a DNA group gets too large?
Every DNA group should foster an environment where a person becomes closer in their friendship with Jesus, develops deeper friendships with others, and invites others into this way of life. If this is happening, then a DNA group will grow. Once the group gets large enough that it becomes difficult for every person to be known, loved, and cared for, then the group plans to multiply and start a second group. This growth and multiplication will look different for every single group.