PREPARING FOR A SMALL GROUP STUDY
You are about to embark on a life-changing experience in your small group. As we study God’s Word, we will see how He impacts our lives in powerful ways. Let’s prepare ourselves to lead our group well.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The primary purpose of these study materials is to show how we can become free from unforgiveness and unrighteous judgments through practicing God’s Word. What do we mean by “practicing?” Well, we mean learning to put into practical action the things we have learned, and not just being hearers of the Word only.
FEATURES OF THE WEBSITE: VIDEO CLIPS
The Video clips provide your group with some great warm-ups for each meeting. You can watch them on your computer or download them and burn them to a DVD if you know how to. After watching a video clip continue in your study by working through the Groupsheets.
FEATURES OF THE WEBSITE: AUDIO RECORDINGS
In some cases you may find that listening to an audio recording is your favorite way to begin your meeting. The Audio Recordings are interviews with Bruce Thompson on the selected topic, or other recordings of excellent teaching material.
FEATURES OF THE WEBSITE: GROUPSHEETS
Groupsheets are single pages of discussion questions and conversation starters that you can print and hand out to your group. We suggest you break your group into circle of 4-5 people and allow them plenty of time to work through the Groupsheets together. Don’t rush, you will be suprised at how much people love to talk to one another and not just to you.
FEATURES OF THE WEBSITE: WRITINGS AND LEADER’S GUIDE
The Writings and Leader’s Guide associated with each topic are for your enrichment and are meant to help you personally, and to help you lead a small group. Download these materials and take your time reading the Scriptures and doing your own homework to get ready to lead your group. We have taken special care in the Leader’s Guide to give you step-by-step tips of how to conduct a meeting that should last about 60-90 minutes.
BASIC MEETING TIPS:
Prepare some light finger foods and coffee, etc. so folks can unwind for a few minutes and just enjoy being together. We think music and great smells from the kitchen are a great way to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Try and minimize distractions by putting the pets outside, unplugging your house phone, silencing your cell phone, and turning of the TV. People love to make eye contact and talk to one another, but it can be almost impossible if we don’t control the “noise” in the room.
- Print all your Groupsheets in advance and make sure you test your audio of video playback device well before the meeting. Keep your notes and reference materials ready to go.
- Ask tons of questions. There is nothing worse than a meeting where only one person gets to talk. People have a lot of great things to share and encourage each other in so give them time.
- Let people talk. Sure, you have some serious material to cover but the Groupsheets are designed to get people discussing the topic at hand, and we believe that if you give them time they are going to bring some real treasures to the table.
ESTABLISH THE GROUP VALUES
At the beginning of the study series and again at each meeting we find that it is a good idea for to express the values, expectation and commitments you are making together. These guidelines will help avoid unspoken agendas and unmet expectations. Please discuss these guidelines during your first meeting, and then do little reminders along the way, in order to lay a foundation for a healthy group experience. Feel free to modify anything that does not work for the group.
This value-talk might include:
- A Clear Purpose: We are here to grow healthy spiritual lives by building a healthy small group community where forgiving one another is our expectation and blessing one another is the norm.
- A Safe Environment: We want to create a safe place where people can be heard, share and feel loved. We will all avoid criticism or words that don’t build one another up.
- A Commitment to Be Confidential: We will commit to keep anything that is shared confidential and within the group because the subject of forgiveness often includes very personal stories.
- Conflict Resolution Guidelines: We choose to avoid gossip and to immediately resolve any concerns within the group or with the leaders by following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17
- A Welcome to Newcomers: We will invite friends who might benefit from this study and warmly welcome newcomers.