1. FacilitatingSmall Groups 101 Dr. Joye Baker Spiritual Formation LTR 2010

2. Why are small groups important for spiritual transformation?

3. DTS Spiritual Formation Life change happens in the context of community.

4. DTS Spiritual Formation Life change happens in the context of community.

5. “We can never realize the likeness of Christ by ourselves alone.” Julie Gorman

6. Remember you are partnering with God in the spiritual transformation of your group members. Pray before, during, and after you meet.

7. The Goal of Small Group Leading The goal of the small group leader is to facilitate a discussion characterized by:

8. The Goal of Small Group Leading The goal of the small group leader is to facilitate a discussion characterized by: A non-threatening climate conducive to an honest exchange of ideas where participants can wrestle with transformational issues.

9. Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-24

10. Create a Caring Ethos • Establish guidelines (covenant). • Model authenticity. • Prepare ahead. • Put members at ease. • Forget yourself. • Honor people’s time. • Be enthusiastic! • Encourage members to do their assignments. • Address privately those who are unprepared.

11. Create a Caring Ethos • Establish guidelines (covenant). • Model authenticity. • Prepare ahead. • Put members at ease. • Forget yourself. • Honor people’s time. • Be enthusiastic! • Encourage members to do their assignments. • Address privately those who are unprepared. • Be patient.

12. Encourage participation DON’T LECTURE!!! Small group leaders and Bible teachers wear different hats! Take the Lead. You are in charge, so take charge and lead. Know your authority factor.

13. You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29 NET

14. Affirm Each Comment • Vary your affirmations. • If a participant affirms by responding, you don’t have to. • Respond as you would in every day conversation. • However, a canned response is better than none. • Learn to wrap up what has been said by the group and move on.

15. Direct the Flow of Conversation • Move quickly through observation/cultural questions. • Don’t use much time with biblical/theological discussion. • Reign in rabbit trails/cut off talkers (graciously). • Initially call on someone who is enthusiastic. • Call on shy members early. • Handle melt-downs wisely. • Pursue ping-pong participation.

16. Discussion Flow

17. Two Key Skills in Group Facilitation • Listen Well • Ask Good Questions

18. Listen Well • Be present with the group. • Focus on what each member is saying and not on what you want to say. • Be aware of nonverbal cues. • Provide a safe place for members to share. • Affirm and validate feelings. • Allow emotion to be expressed. • Demonstrate support, love, and acceptance.

19. Some Important Don’ts in Listening • Don’t be quick to give advice. • Don’t make promises you cannot keep. • Don’t try to fix [them] or [their] problem. • Don’t make assumptions. • Don’t assume the story you hear is the story. • Don’t make premature judgments. • Don’t do all the work. • Don’t spiritualize everything. • Don’t carry all the emotional weight. Beverly Hislop, Shepherding a Woman’s Heart

20. Ask Good Questions “Questions are powerful tools. They carry the power to probe the speaker’s thoughts, keep [them] involved in a dialogue, and guide [their] thoughts in a profitable direction.” Dr.Norm Wakefield Between the Words: The Art of Perceptive Listening

21. Ask Good Questions • Phrase questions simply, directly, and clearly. • Use “yes” and “no” questions sparingly. • Be cautious about using “why” questions. • Consider answering a question with a question.

22. Jesus Often Asked Questions • Matt 20:32…What do you want me to do for you? • Mark 3:33…Who are my mother and my brothers? • Luke 8:25…Where is your faith? • Mark 10:3…What did Moses command you? • John 11:26…Do you believe this?

23. Ask Good Questions • Phrase questions simply, directly, and clearly. • Use “yes” and “no” questions sparingly. • Be cautious about using “why” questions. • Consider answering a question with a question. • Allow for silence. • Avoid questions that attack. • Use questions to clarify the meaning of what has been said. • Stimulate discussion and discovery.

24. Develop Relationships • Pray for and with your group. • Stay in touch one-on-one outside group time. • Get together for fellowship and/or service outside the group time. • Identify members who need pastoral care. • Be available! Arrive early and stay late.

25. FacilitatingSmall Groups 101