Facilitating a Small Group: Part 1 -- Preparing to Lead a Small Group

If you are a small-group leader, your role is facilitator, not teacher or lecturer. According to Webster's, the word facilitate means "to make easier." Applied to the task of discipling, it means to help persons develop by clearing away obstacles that impede growth. It describes how Jesus led and taught His disciples.

Creating a Proper Small-Group Environment

The primary goal of a small group is for each member to feel accepted and able to share openly her thoughts and ideas. As a facilitator, strive to create an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance by being positive and encouraging. A small group can become a "home base" to its members, a place of love and honest sharing.

The proper environment--or climate of the group--is critical to small-group success. You may have little if any knowledge of group members' situations and experiences before the first group meeting. As facilitator, your first task is to create a relaxed atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging and is conducive to sharing and learning. The following are ideas for creating a suitable environment.

• Be aware of your own eye and body language. Eye contact can dissuade or encourage someone to talk. Body language reveals interest and enthusiasm or boredom and irritability. Remain alert to group members' eye contact and body language to determine if the discussion is helpful and of interest to them or if the conversation is off track and members are losing interest.
• Be accepting of tears and emotions. Often, facilitators will place a box of tissues in the center of the circle to indicate that tears are allowed here! Women can then reach for a tissue without someone in the group having to fish for one in her purse. When tears occur, don't shift the focus or reject the person or the tears. Instead, comfort them by saying, "It's OK. It's healthy to cry."
• Accentuate the positive. Use these encouraging statements: "That's an interesting point." "Thank you for sharing." As you express appreciation for participation, women will feel affirmed and accepted.
• Allow women personal space. Some group members may feel uncomfortable sharing personal thoughts when discussion turns to individual application or when the topics involve sensitive issues. Be discerning in this situation.
• Befriend group members. Free time or breaks during the group meeting can be uncomfortable for those who are new to the group. Introduce them to others and demonstrate a personal interest. Get to know your group members--their needs, interests and strengths. Meet members where they are.

Preparing to Lead

1. Pray! Pray! Pray! The best preparation will be time spent in prayer. Before you invite people to join your group, pray daily that God will lead the group members He wants to attend, that He will unify them and that He will empower you to lead and encourage them. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in working with each member. God's Word through the Holy Spirit achieves its transforming effect on people.

2. Determine group size. Keeping the group small provides each member opportunity to interact in the group discussion. When a group exceeds 12 persons, a few will dominate and/or subgroups will emerge.

3. Select an appropriate place to meet. Choose a room with movable furniture so that members may participate in a variety of learning methods. A circular seating arrangement is best for eye contact and maximum participation.

4. Arrive early. Whether you are meeting at church, in your home or in someone else's home, allow ample time to arrange the room and prepare for the study (distribute handouts, display visuals, arrange teaching aids, etc.). Arrange equipment (such as a flip chart, marker board, overhead projector or television monitor) in positions that allow all members to easily see and hear. Complete these tasks before the first group member arrives.

5. Arrange the seating. Give consideration to the following factors:

• Be sure members can see one another and you can see them. Be sure members can turn with little difficulty to see each other's faces. Remember, group members communicate with facial and bodily expressions as well as with the voice. The backs of people's heads don't say much!
• To avoid glare, face chairs or seating away from large windows and close the curtains when possible.
• Turn chairs away from the entrance to the room. Latecomers may feel embarrassed if they face other members while entering.
• Select for yourself a straight-back chair in which to sit. This posture communicates openness and alertness. A cushioned chair often causes a leader to appear too relaxed.

With these simple pointers, you can focus on preparing to lead your small group. By doing little things that will create a welcoming and healthy environment for the women in your church, you will help set the stage for rich conversation and spiritual growth.

Check out Facilitating a Small Group, Part 2: Leading the Small Group Discussion