Creative Community

Discussions can be the primary method by which people grow in small groups. Learning to lead good discussions takes time and practice. Use the following thoughts to work on your abilities leading discussion. View the 10 Commandments for Leading Discussions here. Prepare “good” questions prior to the meeting Have you ever been part of a discussion that went absolutely no where? One of the most important tasks a small group leader needs to execute is GOOD PREPARATION. If your group is going to engage in a good discussion, that will ONLY HAPPEN if you are willing to take the time beforehand to prepare good questions. You can follow these steps to prepare good questions ahead of time: 1) Plan. Set aside ample time for preparation. This time will include prayer, study, contemplation, and writing so 15 minutes before your group meeting is probably not enough. You need to set a time, block it off on your calendar, and honor that commitment to yourself. 2) Pray. T...

Small groups are a critical part of discipleship ministry. They give believers the opportunity to develop healthy relationships and grow in community. The best small groups utilize discussions to enable growth in each person. Below are 10 steps which will help you lead effective discussions. In the coming days, I'll write more about each of the steps: 1. Prepare “good” questions prior to the meeting 2. Create a climate of acceptance 3. Actively listen to each person 4. Affirm all legitimate expressions of opinion from your group members 5. “Peel the Onion” with questions 6. Be careful about taking sides in a “debate” 7. Allow for humor and rabbit trails 8. Don’t be afraid of silence. 9. Deal with discussion killers. 10. Be a facilitator, not an expert.