THE GROUP SESSIONS
The Sessions have to be conducted in groups made up of three to eight people. They are led by facilitators who will guide the participants through the various steps of the group sessions (cf. facilitators’ role and tasks). They usually last about two hours.
Steps
- Start with a song
- Greet the participants
- Introduce yourself if they do not personally know you and let them introduce themselves as well if they wish to
- Explain the purpose of the meeting and the dynamics of the session
- Offer a prayer to begin or nominate someone else to do it
- Introduce topic – see outline given
- Have the scripture passage as indicated for the session read (someone to be requested before the meeting)
- Announce a period of silence after the reading for silent reflection
- Ask for personal reactions to the scripture reading, some short insights or personal sharings in connection with the passage
- Sum up the sharings or make a general comment on what the reading is about
- Introduce the discussion questions.
- Steer the discussion towards the topic at hand
- Try to include everyone in the group. Encourage participation.
- Conclude the discussion by summing up the basic points that came up
- Refer to the session notes if need be
- Read the prepared reflection
- Lead the group into prayers of intercession for various needs
- Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer
- Make any announcements
- Close with a song or greeting
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