Review this with your group at the first meeting:
Remember, it’s not as important to get through every question as it is to help people connect with one another and walk away with the main idea of the lesson. You don’t need to get through every question. If you have time for all of them, great! If not, then don’t sweat it. Also, remember that no one has to answer a question if they don’t want to. Group members are allowed the option to pass on answering a question they feel uncomfortable with.
Keep the following guidelines in mind for having a healthy group discussion:
- Be involved. Jump in and share your thoughts. Your ideas are important, and you have a perspective that is unique and can benefit the other group members.
- Be a good listener. Value what others are sharing. Seek to really understand the perspective of others in your group and don’t be afraid to ask follow up questions.
- Be courteous. Always treat others with utmost respect. When there is disagreement, focus on the issue and never turn the discussion into a personal attack.
- Be focused. Stay on topic. Help the group explore the subject at hand, and try to save unrelated questions or stories for afterwards.
- Be careful not to dominate. Be aware of the amount of talking you are doing in proportion to the rest of the group, and make space for others to speak.
- Be a learner. Stay sensitive to what God might want to teach you through the lesson, as well as through what others have to say.