Closed questions are questions that can be answered with simply a "yes" or a "no." They have a clear right or wrong answer. Two of the biggest things to avoid with these types of questions are closed-end questions and "check your brain at the door" questions. ![]() It's through encounter questions that your group will discover what God's Word says and means. This is where classic-observation and interpretation-Bible study questions should be asked. The next type of question that you need to include are encounter questions where your group encounters God's Word and each other through study. Icebreakers also allow for you to be creative and engage different learning styles in natural, non-cheesy ways. Many times, these are called "icebreakers" which allow you, as a leader, to begin to focus your group on the topic. The second lesson here is to choose the right type of questions.Įvery study should include questions that engage the group with each other and with the topic of the session. You'll need to ignore some questions, edit others, and create your own to make the study fit your group. The first lesson here is to realize that no curriculum is perfect for your group. Now it's time to decide on the questions you'll use to guide your group through a meaningful discussion. The following breakdown is a good model to follow: Knowing the best way to plan your time is a challenge and depends a great deal on the amount of time allotted for your group to meet. Time Keeps Tickin' Away: Quick-Reference Schedule Guide This way, you pray and are already prepared for next week's study. Rather than pressing through the content and skipping prayer time, stick with your planned timeline and transition to prayer based on your schedule instead of where you are with the content. If you consistently get to the end of your time together and don't have time to pray, that's a problem. It's through this prayer time that your group will grow in intimacy and you will communicate that God is the only solution to the needs of your day. This time should include both prayer requests and praying together. After the study time, it's time to transition to prayer. If I'm pressed for time and have great content, I will talk too much to ensure that every point gets covered. This allows plenty of time for everyone to be a part of the discussion. I like to dedicate 45 to 60 minutes for a great time of discussion and learning. This communicates a couple of things-that the relationships in the group matter and should be developed often, and it reminds the group that this is more than a Bible study-it's a group that exists to study the Bible and do life together.Īfter hangout time, transition to the study. Dedicate at least 15 to 20 minutes of your group time to this. I like to have relationship building or hangout time as a part of every (yes, every) study. With that said, here is a good framework from which you can get creative. Before I share with you a timeline for a "normal" group, let me remind you that no one wants to be in a normal groups. Next you need to determine how you will use your time. A floor lamp or two can make a big difference adding warmth and a sense of home. ![]() Fluorescent lighting has a cold, institutional feel. You may also want to consider bringing different lights into the room. Bringing snacks and drinks quickly warms up a room and encourages people to talk and interact with one another. ![]() Put the chairs in a circle rather than a lecture setting. If you aren't able to meet in a home, then your goal is to make the room as "warm" as possible. Your goal should be to remove as many distractions as possible, such as turning off phones, checking the room temperature, and talking to roommates or others about not interrupting the group time. ![]() If you are meeting in a home, then it is easy to prepare this type of a place. Most groups succeed in places that are warm and inviting. Your group's meeting place will, in some ways, determine the intimacy level that your group reaches. Preparing a place for the study is an essential first step. This involves a few things: preparing a place for the Bible study, planning your time, and choosing the questions that will guide your group through a meaningful discussion. The next step in preparing for a great discussion (after personal preparation) is to develop a discussion plan.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |