Leading Discussion in Lifegroup

The Goal of Lifegroup discussion time is to help your group members love God’s Word, listen to God’s Word regularly, and live God’s Word out in their daily lives. This is one of the ways our groups are devoted to Scripture.

This guide will help you lead well

Content:

• Weekly Sermon Guides: Use the discussion guides based off the weekly sermon - they provide ready-made questions and are the easiest starting place for leaders

Leading in Humility

• Ask heart questions and wait for answers

• Listen more than you talk

• Encourage comments from the group - don't be the "answer person"

• Allow and value silence

• Be vulnerable yourself - model what you want to see

Avoid Leading in Pride

• Don't talk too much or dominate the group

• Don't be argumentative or defensive

• Don't focus only on teaching

• Don't forget to be vulnerable

Discussion Preparation

• Spend time in prayer before the discussion

• Know the material well

• Prepare an engaging introduction - story, testimony, or key Scripture

• Make sure the room environment supports discussion

Discussion Guidelines

• Get people excited about the topic through your introduction

• Seek to involve everyone, including children

• Watch for those who dominate and gently redirect

• Keep the discussion centered - don't let it wander

• Listen carefully and repeat/clarify points as needed

• Be courteous, fair-minded, and impartial

• Close by pulling themes together into one central thought

Know Your People

• Identify who tends to be domineering and may need gentle redirection

• Notice who is quiet and reserved and needs special encouragement

• Look people in the eye when they speak

• Be alive and alert - your excitement will be contagious