This video will show you how to lead a small group discussion for Junior High, High School, and College age groups. This is not about teaching a lesson, but leading a conversation about a book, a Bible study, a sermon, or some other topic.

[1:40] LEAD, don’t re-teach

It’s not your job to re-teach, but to lead the small group in a discussion about the book or topic you are meeting about.

[2:18] Listen

Listen for the purpose of discussing. Listen to everyone in the group to discover more together, expand on thoughts, and ask more questions. This will also help the group to learn organically and not necessarily just follow a set of questions.

Also, don’t be afraid of silence. This could be people being insecure, but it can also be how people in the group process what they are learning. Allow time for people to process.

[4:44] Everyone

Make space for everyone to engage in their own way. Some people will talk, some will nod, and some may take notes.

[5:45] Ask

Ask open-ended, thought-provoking questions. This will get people to think. Not every question needs to have a right or wrong answer. The questions are more about creating discussion. You can ask “why” or “what do you think about” questions.

[7:05] Discussion

Your job is to lead the discussion, not the instruction. It’s not about you. Other people in the group should not lean on you to share all of your ideas. The point of leading the small group is to get everyone to discuss.

This also means allowing for different points of view and allowing people to be wrong. Hearing different points of view will get everyone in the group talking. Be patient. It’s important to protect the Word of God, but trust the process of getting to the right answers as a group.

Get more details about leading a small group with our video series, How To Facilitate A Small Group

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