Before the group arrives...

1. Be prepared. Your personal preparation can make a huge difference in the quality of the group experience. We strongly suggest previewing both the DVD teaching and the study guide. Answer the questions yourself so that you get a feel for the topic and know what to expect. (You may find out that you need to allow extra time for some sections.)

2. Pray for your group members by name. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person in your group. Expect God to challenge and change people as a result of this study.

3. Provide refreshments. There’s nothing like food to help a group relax and connect with each other. For the first week, we suggest you prepare a snack, but after that, ask other group members to bring the food so that they share in the responsibilities of the group and make a commitment to return.

4. Get everything set up. Be sure to test your video equipment ahead of time and make sure you have located this week’s lesson on the DVD menu. Set up the chairs in the room so that everyone can see the television. And, arrange the room in such a way that it is conducive to discussion. Finally, have ample materials on hand so everyone can participate.

5. Relax. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s style of leading a group. Facilitate the group in a way that fits your style and temperament. Remember that people may feel nervous showing up for a small group study, so put them at ease when they arrive. Make sure to have all the details covered prior to your group meeting, so that once people start arriving, you can focus on them.

Special Note for First Meeting:
Your first night together sets the tone for the rest of your weekly meetings. Allow for an extra 20 minutes at the beginning of the night before you dive into the video and study guide. The first 10 minutes should be used for introductions and the next 10 minutes for establishing expectations and “ground rules” during discussion. Then read the welcome on pages 3-4 and get started. After the prayer time at the end, close the evening by gathering contact information from everyone, which can be recorded on page 59. This will help your group stay in touch.