Facilitating
Small Groups 101
Dr. Joye Baker
Spiritual Formation LTR 2010
Why are small groups
important for spiritual
transformation?
DTS Spiritual Formation
Life change happens
in the context of
community.
DTS Spiritual Formation
Life change happens
in the context of
community.
“We can never realize the likeness
of Christ by ourselves alone.”
Julie Gorman
Remember you are
partnering with God
in the spiritual
transformation of
your group members.
Pray before, during,
and after you meet.
The Goal of Small Group
Leading
The goal of the small group leader is to
facilitate a discussion characterized by:
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.
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
Create a Caring Ethos
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Discussion Flow
Not this
Not this
Leader
Leader
Leader doing all the talking
“The leader teaches”
But this
Members respond only when asked
“The leader asks”
Leader
All members interact with each other
“The leader guides”
Two Key Skills in Group Facilitation
• Listen Well
• Ask Good Questions
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
Some Important Don’ts in Listening
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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
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
Facilitating
Small Groups 101