Disciples who Make Disciples

Suggestions for Small Group Facilitators

1. Refreshments: If refreshments are served, do so before or after the Discovery Bible Study so concentration is not broken.

2. Pace yourself: Keep the group process moving so all questions are engaged before time runs out.

Welcome periodic moments of silence while people listen to the Lord or while writing in their notebooks. Ask questions of the group as a whole, allowing the Spirit time to prompt someone to respond, or occasionally go around the circle giving freedom to anyone who wishes to "pass" - but avoid putting anyone on the spot. Encourage economy of words, to share briefly and often.

3. Let the Holy Spirit teach: If one member of the group speaks too much, say, "Thanks for sharing. Let's hear also what quieter members of the group have to share." If a member of the group wanders to other topics, you may need to bring the group back to the text by asking, "Where do you see that in this passage?

Resist the temptation to respond to your own questions, or do so only minimally, normally after the others have spoken. ONLY ask questions (do not research in advance and teach what you've learned). This is so the group remains "Word-centered" (the Holy Spirit speaks through the Word), not teacher-centered (this requires trust that the Lord will lead the person facilitating the question process).

4. Prayer for personal transformation: Make sure to leave ample time for prayer after sharing "I will..." statements.

To enable everyone to pray and be prayed for, generally pray in 2's so prayer remains personal. Alternatively, ask each person in the group to pray for one other person. Suggest focus on seeking God's transformation through "I will..." statements and empowerment for personal challenges shared earlier. Generally good to keep prayers on the shorter side but to pray repeatedly.

5. Small is better (counter-intuitive): Keep the group small to enable everyone to share (5 or 6 people is best).

If the group goes beyond seven people, form two groups. In preparation for this, after you've led 2 or 3 times, share this page and invite others in the group to facilitate two times so they can grow in skill and confidence in preparation for leading their own group.

6. Three is better: The phrase "three is better" (in the graphic, top of page) refers to each discovery group seeking to begin three other groups. When another group is formed, keep in touch with the group leader to encourage him or her and help as she or he prepares to birth new groups.

As groups increase, form a "facilitators' community" composed of a lead facilitator from each group. This group meets less often, perhaps monthly, to learn together to solve problems and to pray together for greater fruitfulness for the Kingdom.