The first part of this article mentioned the redirect technique as a helpful tool for addressing thought-provoking questions that may come up during small group discussions.
Now we want to share some additional tips to help you with this:
- Don’t go first: Draw others into the conversation.
- Don’t go long: No one wants to hear a lecture.
- Use “I” statements whenever possible. (i.e. “I’ve come to really appreciate the Church’s guidance on this question because it is hard to understand.”)
You can also utilize footnotes in a Catholic study bible, look something up in the Catechism when clarity is needed, or make a note to look something up during the week and report back.
Just don’t be a doctrine cop, blowing the whistle every time someone shares a thought that is not theologically precise. This will kill conversation and people won’t feel free to share.
What if you’re not the “teacher type”?
Some of you don’t feel tempted to teach and you might worry that you don’t know enough to be a good small group leader. Rest assured, it’s not about your knowledge anyway. You are seeking to learn and grow just like the others. A small group discussion is an environment of mutual discovery.
While the “teacher types” tend to overstep their role, the “non-teacher types” might tend to underestimate their role and simply stick to a script. “I’ll just read the questions, follow the resource, and keep an eye on time”. That’s not enough.
Whether you’re a “teacher type” or a “non-teacher type”, here are a few ways to help you facilitate a dynamic conversation:
- Manage the clock: Start and end on time so people know what to expect.
- Affirm contributions in a simple, natural way: “Thanks for sharing that.”
- Invite others to chime in: “Does anyone else have any thoughts about this?
- Ask follow-up questions: “Can you say more about that?”
- Seek clarification by paraphrasing someone’s longer comment that wasn’t clear: “Let me see if I understand what you’re saying.”
- Always listen attentively: Sounds obvious. But sometimes we are so consumed about our thoughts and what we are going to say or ask next that we miss what the person is saying.
- Manage tangents: From our experience, tangents are the rule, not the exception. Try to gauge whether it is a good, Spirit-guided tangent or just an unhelpful distraction. Ask yourself: Is this edifying? Is it building up faith and love? Is it important? Is it provoking gossip, anger, divisiveness? Find your own ways to lovingly bring back unhelpful tangents.
A small group is not the place for teaching. Yet, the role of the facilitator goes way beyond reading a script. It is a place for mutual discovery and spiritual accompaniment through dynamic discussion around God’s word.
Remember: you won’t do this perfectly. We don’t do it perfectly. But, it’s not about perfection. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit do what the Holy Spirit does—in us and in the group—and trusting in Jesus’ promise that when two or three are gathered in his name, he is present among us (Matthew 18:20).
André Lesperance is a Content Creator and Ministry Consultant at the Evangelical Catholic. The Evangelical Catholic’s mission is to equip Catholics to live out the Great Commission.
