5 “Be’s” to Facilitating:

Facilitator: makes a process easy to engage in by keeping it simple.

Be prepared.

  1. Read the Scripture text.

  2. Review Bible study questions.

         i. Plan ahead on where to focus the discussion.
ii. Choose 3-5 key questions to bridge discussion.

Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

  1. Don’t just let a checklist rule, there may be certain points that go deep and rich.

  2. A testimony may result in ministering to a specific need. Stop and pray over the need then.

Be encouraging.

  1. Share resources.

           i. Relevant quotes/commentaries/Scriptures
ii. Resources for others to “dig deeper” at home.

2. Spark thoughtful discussion and share personal testimony.

           i. Give opportunity for everyone to join in the discussion.
ii. Encourage others to not dominate sharing time.

Be transparent and truthful.

  1. Provide accountability.

2. Guide with intentional questions related to the text.

           i. Highlight God’s nature?
ii. How do we relate/differ from characters in the passage?
iii. What’s the problem/trouble/sin the person was facing?
iv. Where do we turn when facing similar circumstances?

Be guardian of time.

  1. Commit to the time frame allotted for the bible study.

2. Open/Close with prayer

3. Keep conversation centered on the prepared Study.

4. Prayer request: encourage everyone to have time to share.
In closing prayer: allow time to pray over each request.

Facilitator guide to Leah Unveiled:

  1. Each week begin with prayer and reading aloud the verse or verses highlighted in the Genesis 29 &30 chapters together.

  2. Utilize the Think It Through question sections throughout each of the 12 week chapters to highlight the concepts, struggles, and meditations that Leah’s diary addresses.

    • Read aloud the Scripture passages to help frame the context for the questions provided in each of the ‘Think It Throughs’.

    • Given your time allotment, it may be helpful to prepare which of the ‘Think It Through’s you will discuss. Letting your group know ahead of time may allow them to be better prepared with answers to share.

    • Know that there may be some ‘Think It Through’ questions you or your group may feel are too personal for a group discussion.

  3. Provide time for attendees to share their thoughts on each weeks chapter.

    • Did they learn something new?

    • Was there a sentence, thought, or Scripture that spurred deeper mediation?

    • What spoke to their heart or current circumstances in life?

    • What were their personal takeaways?

  4. Take time to discuss how the truths about life and attributes of God are designed to equip our mind, emotions, motives, and actions.

  5. The book is structured into 12 week sessions. However, some content in various chapters and ‘Think It Through’ sections may be extended to cover multiple group discussions. Communicating what sections of the book they are expected to cover before your next meeting will help everyone be better prepared.