A GUIDE TO LEADING DISCUSSION
Diving deeper into what is taught every week is a great way to encourage application into our own lives. We’ve created a guide that will help you facilitate the conversation.
1. TAKE NOTES ON SUNDAY
This may seem obvious, but it is so necessary! Not only will you have in writing the things you’ve learned to look back on in the future, but it helps re-enforce the message to provide a simple summary for group members who may have missed that week’s teaching. (If you do have members who missed the teaching, the message is posted every Sunday afternoon on our YouTube Channel! Encourage them to go back and watch.)
2. SIMPLICITY CREATES SPACE
Don’t let yourself be tied down to having questions ready every week. Discussion is all about creating connections with others and providing a space for people to share their point of view. Sometimes, a simple, “What did you all think about the message this week?” could be all you need to start the conversation. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, and allow room for people to share. You’ll be surprised at how easily conversation flows!
3. USE THE MAJOR POINTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
Most of the time during a message there will be major points throughout the sermon. Examples are: “3 WAYS TO GROW IN YOUR FAITH” , “5 LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM PAUL”, “HOW TO COMBAT NEGATIVE THINKING”. These can easily create conversation.
”Out of the different points discussed, which one stood out to you and why?”
”What’s one of the practical steps you can start implementing in your life this week?”
”Do you find yourself struggling with any of the topics mentioned? Let’s discuss ways to help each other in our weaknesses.”
The list could go on!
4. SCRIPTURE IS POWERFUL
We rely on stories of the Bible or specific scriptures for the main theme of sermon series. Example, in the series: To The Church Of: _____, we covered Paul’s letters to the early church. Other series are more topical, like in past series: This Must Be The Place, or Amazed by Jesus, where scripture is still very important, but more of a variety is used. In scripture inspired series, your group could do a deeper dive into that specific verse, chapter, or book that was taught on.
5. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
If you find that your group does need more structure, there are many resources online on all different topics. If the theme of the sermon series is about faith and trusting God, searching “discussion questions about faith” is a great way to inspire questions. There is also a variety of devotionals and Bible Study plans on YouVersion that have great questions and content to discuss. Don’t feel like everything needs to be new and unique—there are available resources to help you!