Called To Lead

A Handbook for Facilitators

of Bible Study Groups

Guy Lajoie

Doug McCarthy

CALLED TO LEAD

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Guy Lajoie was the administrator of Guided Study Programs in the Catholic Faith. He was a member of the team which helped Bishop Marcel Gervais in the publication of JOURNEY. He has led JOURNEY groups in his own parish for several years. He is now the president of Emmaus Publications which publishes ebooks on the web site journeywithbible.com.

Doug McCarthy was a principal in the Catholic School System in London, Ontario. He regularly gives training sessions on public speaking and group leadership.

Foreword 

The need for a handbook for leaders was not evident when we first began to publish JOURNEY In fact we had hoped that the material would be simple enough that almost any lay person could with a little effort study the material and join with others in a cooperative spirit which would carry them through the Bible. Our experience over the years and the many letters which have come to us show that this has indeed happened in some areas but in the majority of cases JOURNEY groups have persevered where solid leaders were active. For this reason the need for this kind of booklet has become more urgent.

I am happy that there is a chapter on the Church's teaching on the interpretation of the Bible. I have often thought that there is a great need for Catholics to become more familiar with this teaching.

The need for Catholics to form small groups to study the Bible has not diminished in the years since the first publication of JOURNEY In fact I would say that the need has increased. If this book can help in this area then it will truly be of service to the Church.

+ Marcel Gervais,

Bishop of Sault Ste.

Note: Bishop Gervais later became the Archbishop of Ottawa, Canada.

He is now retired as Archbishop emiritus.

CALLED TO LEAD

INTRODUCTION

At the end of Matthew's gospel, Jesus says, "Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations . . . and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you . . ." (Matthew 28:19-20). The fact that Jesus addressed this command to the eleven apostles shows us that the early Church recognized that the Apostles had a unique responsibility for handing on the faith. They, in turn shared this responsibility with many others (Acts 6,7,8).

The concept of shared responsibility has gained new prominence since the Second Vatican Council. All members of the Church - priests, religious, and laity - have a role to play in spreading and teaching the faith. As Pope John Paul 11 has said, " . . . all have in various degrees very precise responsibilities in this education of the believing conscience ...... (On Catechesis in Our Time, no. 16).

Since the Second Vatican Council, we have witnessed not only the increased involvement by the laity in teaching our faith to others, but a new focus on the religious education of adults. Pope John Paul 11 states: "This is the principle form of catechesis, because it is addressed to persons who have the greatest responsibilities and the capacity to live the Christian message in its fully developed form" (On Catechesis in Our Time, no. 43).

The new emphasis on adult religious education makes it essential that the people involved in this field be knowledgeable, not only of doctrine, but of the most effective ways to communicate it to adults.

The purpose of this booklet is to set forth the most important principles of effective adult education, and guidelines for leaders of adult study groups.

Introduction

We present these principles and guidelines in a general fashion, so that they can be used by leaders of various kinds of groups - those studying Scripture, Marriage and Family, Social Justice, Church History, or any other religious subject.

Our primary focus, however, is the Bible study group. For this reason, we include a chapter specifically on leading such a group. We also include a chapter on the principles of biblical interpretation according to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.

CALLED TO LEAD

1. How Adults Learn

Principles of Adult Education

Adults learn best when they can:

- choose what they will learn;

- choose how they will learn;

- express (verbalize) what they are learning;

- test what they are learning by relating it to their life-experience;

- receive feedback from, and be challenged by other adults;

- see the value of what they are learning;

- learn in a comfortable environment.

If these principles are respected, any teaching method will be effective.

Teaching methods

When we think of formal religious education, we usually think of one of the following learning methods: lecture, individual study, and group discussion.

The lecture

The lecture can be an effective way for adults to learn, but it is often ineffective. Too often it fails to respect the freedom, maturity, and life-experience of an adult audience. Furthermore, a lecture usually involves a large number of persons listening to what someone has to say on a certain subject. This format puts the learner

How Adults Learn

How Adults Learn

in a passive learning mode - the learner simply takes in information. There is usually little opportunity for the hearer to interact with the speaker. The larger the group, the less chance there is for questions and dialogue. And it often happens that the lecturer is not really in touch with the audience, so that he or she fails to address the questions they seek answers for.

But there are good lecturers who respect people's freedom and lifeexperience, and who can speak to the needs of their audience.

Individual study

Individual study is a good learning method for adults because it respects the first two principles of adult education - that adults want the freedom to select what they will learn and the method by which they will learn. If there is a fault in the individual study method, it is that it does not allow the person to share and test his or her newly-acquired knowledge in the community of other adults.

Group discussion

When it is properly conducted, group discussion is the learning method best suited to the way adults learn because it respects the principles mentioned above. It allows the participants to enter into the learning process as adults; it allows them to take an active and responsible role in their own learning.

The weakness in the group discussion method of learning is that it can end up being a sharing of ignorance.

The effectiveness of group discussion is greatest when it is combined with high quality input from either a lecturer or written material.

What teaching method did Jesus employ? Many of us picture him in the lecture mode - delivering speeches to large crowds. But he must have also used a kind of group discussion method when he spoke intimately with his close friends. We can imagine some lively exchanges on many points of Jewish law and religious practice.

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2. How to be an Effective Group Leader

Jesus, sharing with his disciples at table. (Mark 4:10)

How Adults Learn

How to be an Effective Group Leader

The purpose of this chapter is to present the skills and attitudes essential in a good leader and some basics on how a group functions.

If we lived in an ideal world, all participants in small group learning situations would take an equal part in the process, and no leader would be necessary. In reality, however, groups function in different ways, many of which are bad for the group learning process. Here are some typical ways:

The flop occurs when the group is unsure of why they are gathered or what they are expected to do or say. The leader starts with a question and everyone simply sits there waiting for someone else to speak.

The dictatorship happens when the leader or someone else completely dominates the meeting by doing all the talking. Some leaders use their position as a platform to express their own opinion or to show off their knowledge of the subject.

Some groups suffer from domination by a smaller group that takes over the discussion and is allowed to do so by the silent majority.

The cream puff is the group that accepts everything without thinking. They make it easy for a dictatorship to develop.

Some group members simply surrender, or compromise, just to keep the discussion moving along.

The ideal form of discussion is unanimous consent, in which all members have agreed to the goals and the method of learning; they know their roles and they all share responsibility for making the discussion fruitful.

Most groups need an acknowledged leader if they are to function well.

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Interpersonal communication

According to Dr. Edward Wakin, a professor of Communications at Fordham University, being an effective communicator requires five interpersonal components:

- an adequate self-concept, the single most important factor affecting people's communication with others;

- the ability to be a good listener;

- the skill of expressing one's thoughts and ideas clearly;

- being able to cope with one's emotions, particularly one's feelings of anger, and expressing them in a constructive way;

- the willingness to disclose oneself to others truthfully and freely (this can be learned).

What is a leader?

To lead is to guide, to show the way. The leader is one of the group, not separate from it.

When Jesus picked leaders for his Church, he did not choose the most educated - the doctors and lawyers who felt themselves superior to ordinary folk. Instead, he chose from among ordinary people.

There are some misconceptions about the term leader which can create an obstacle to the proper understanding of the term. For some people, the word leader connotes power, control, domination. For this reason it may be better to use the term "facilitator", a word that comes from the Latin "facilis" which means easy. To be a facilitator is to make it easier for the group to function. To make easy means to remove obstacles. The leader takes the responsibility for overcoming obstacles as they arise. In this sense, the image of a good facilitator is not one of power and control, but service.

How Adults Learn

How to be an Effective Group Leader

In this book we use both terms. But we remind you that when we use the word leader we have in mind the concept of someone who serves.

It is the model of service which Jesus presented to his apostles and disciples: "You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all" (Mark 10:42-43).

The good leader approaches his or her role with humility. The sign of a really successful group meeting is that the group members come away thinking they were responsible for the success of the meeting, and the leader's influence has hardly been noticed.

The leader is the navigator. The group is on a journey and the leader must set the sails to use the wind to advantage in order to reach their destination.

The leader, therefore, is someone who serves, not from weakness, but from strength and confidence, with a good deal of humility.

Training fundamentals

Some people believe that they are born leaders, while others think they can never be a good leader. In fact, good leaders are made, not born.

If you have experience in leadership, you can always increase and improve your skills. If you have no previous experience, you nevertheless have gifts and talents that will enhance your ability to lead.

Effective leadership of small groups requires training, and this involves time and effort. We believe that during his public ministry Jesus spent a lot of time teaching and forming the men he chose to lead his church.

If you are going to grow in your leadership skills, remember the following points:

- You must believe that you can become a good leader.

- You must have a willingness to learn and a determination to grow.

CALLED TO LEAD

To say that good leaders are made, not born, is to say that a process of development must take place. Each person is at a different stage of development. No one is at the beginning; no one has arrived at the end of the process. But all are on the way.

Reading a manual or attending a workshop will not automatically make you a good leader; growth takes place through both study and practice. You cannot become a cross country skier simply by reading a "how-to" manual. It is only when you put on the skis and expend a great deal of effort that you become a cross country skier. Likewise, you will only become a good group leader by actually leading a group and exercising the skills you have learned.

This manual will give you new knowledge, new skills, new attitudes. You already have a great deal of knowledge and experience, so perhaps this material will simply reinforce what you already know. You will read something and say "yes that is true". It may be simply a case of being assured that you are on the right track.

Personal preparation

before your meeting

Remote

As the facilitator, you have a responsiblity to be as familiar as possible with the subject of the discussion. If it is a Scripture course such as JOURNEY, it is much better if you have been through it under someone else's leadership. But in many cases this is not possible and the fact that you do not have this experience should not hinder you from taking on the leadership. If you can do extra reading do so.

Immediate

Take time before your meeting to remember what you are about - leading other adults in their journey of learning and discovery. Imagine how the discussion might proceed. Prepare some questions that you might use if necessary. Take time to relax and to pray. The Holy Spirit will not let you down.

How To Be An Effective Group Leader

Setting up

The physical arrangement of tables and chairs is important for good group discussion. You should be at or near the centre so that every participant can see and hear you and everyone else. A round table is best, if the group is small enough. Otherwise, set the tables up in a horseshoe shape with yourself at the centre.

A common mistake is to use a long rectangular table with the leader at one end. This divides the group and tends to cause small groups of people to go off into discussions of their own.

A small room in your church or local school is ideal, but a room in someone's home can work well. Be aware, though, that a home setting can sometimes pose problems. There should be a minimum of distractions, such as the phone, and the TV The seats can sometimes be so comfortable that the participants lose their enthusiasm. Choose a dining room or kitchen table in preference to couches.

At your first meeting

The first time the group comes together, you should discuss and agree on the ground rules for the meetings. Your discussion should include your role as leader, as well as the role of each participant and of the whole group.

A discussion of roles is especially helpful at the beginning, because it helps participants to know what is expected of them. It is an invitation for all to play their role, and share responsibility for the success of the group learning process.

Let the group know that you will conduct occasional evaluation sessions.

Routine

Establish and maintain a certain routine for your meetings. You might start each session with prayer, a brief statement of the agenda for the evening, a summary of what happened at the last session, and a way to lead the group into the subject of the meeting.

Decide how long your meetings will last (an hour and a half is about right). It is

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important, however, to set a regular time and to stick to it. Always start promptly at the set time, or else people will come later and later.

Finishing up

Make it a point of honour always to end at the agreed time. Promptness and regularity are essential to the long-term success of a group. It allows group members to arrange rides, babysitters, etc.

Sometimes, when the group is in the middle of an enthusiastic discussion, you will be tempted to let the meeting go on. Don't. It is better to have the group go home enthusiastic and eager for more than to beat the topic to death. On some occasions, it may even be wise to cut the meeting short if people have covered enough material.

Announce the termination of discussion and summarize what has been covered or have one of the participants summarize. In this way you get to listen to someone else's perception of the meeting. Finally, introduce the topic and material to be covered at your next meeting.

Evaluation

Hold a formal evaluation session at intervals - perhaps every four or five meetings. Evaluation is important because it allows the group to make adjustments and suggestions if things are not going well.

You can also obtain feedback in an informal way. For example, at the end of the evening you might say "How do you feel about this.'" or "What should we do next week?"

In some cases it is a good idea to phone a couple of the participants and to ask them what is their perception of the group's progress. In a difficult situation you may ask what is wrong.

How To Be An Effective Group Leader

Your role as facilitator

Get everyone to participate

The good facilitator leads by getting all members to participate and share responsibility for the success of the meeting.

Participation does not only mean talk. Some people will say nothing for long periods of time but their body language tells you that they are listening and involved. Remember that some people find it difficult to talk and are more comfortable listening. They usually surprise the group when they do talk and give some profound insights.

Let each be comfortable with his or her contribution but make sure that everyone gets a chance to contribute. This means limiting those who tend to have an opinion on every topic and inviting others to share who are hesitant to speak.

Ask open-ended questions

Open-ended questions cannot be answered simply by a `yes' or `no. Use questions like "What did you think about this comment ... ?" or "What did you feel about the explanation for ... ?"

Wait for a response

It is essential to establish from the beginning that you are prepared to wait for a response. If you jump in too quickly, you may stifle some very interesting observations. Besides, it can be good for the group to just meditate and to ponder the insights offered.

Most people feel uncomfortable with a period of silence during a group meeting. Don't be. Experience will teach you to tell the difference between brief periods of silence that are good, and periods of silence that are too long.

CALLED TO LEAD

Hold to the subject

A large part of your job as facilitator is to keep the group focussed on the subject of the discussion. Don't get hung up on small points. Be prepared to handle the kind of question that throws the group completely off topic. Suggest that it would be better discussed at another time. Make note of it on an "unfinished business" board, to be dealt with at the end of the evening.

On the other hand, be ready for some occasional straying from the business at hand because it is essential in religious education that the learning be personal and that it touch people's experience.

Be a good listener

Listen carefully and attentively to the persons speaking. Look at them. Let them know you value what they have to say.

Listen for feelings rather than content. Use `I' statements to share what you think: "I have read that . . ." Use `you' statements to express someone else's feelings: "You feel angry, confused, affirmed, more comfortable etc . . ."

Be conscious of the process that is taking place - who is listening and who is anxious to speak, who hasn't shared yet and who needs to be affirmed.

Pause and verify

Pause after every statement or opinion. In this way you will be sure the person is finished speaking. It is a good idea to verify that you have correctly understood what the person said. This gives the person the opportunity to clarify or to amplify any point.

Agree and affirm

You might be tempted to notice mistakes or areas of disagreement and to correct these

How To Be An Effective Group Leader

immediately. Instead of doing this, reinforce and affirm the effort of the person. In anything that anyone says, you can find at least an element of truth, or an underlying positive value. Find it and affirm them for it.

Learn to overlook the little errors that aren't terribly serious. Point out deficiencies or errors only when absolutely necessary.

And do it with the utmost tact, delicacy, gentleness, and respect. Recall how you feel when someone corrects or criticizes you.

Be polite

Regardless of what happens it is essential that you be polite and courteous at all times. Remember that you are a model to the others in the group.

Press on

If the group has resolved an issue or a problem, summarize the point and move on.

Avoid being the white knight

Any member of a group, but especially the leader, is tempted to offer quick advice or to preach, so as to solve someone's problems: you should do such and such ... " "Well, I had that problem but ... " Resist the urge to do this, and gently stop others from doing the same thing. It makes you the superior one and it belittles the other person. Give advice only when someone specifically asks for it.

Keep yourself out of it

You will be tempted to play the role of the expert and do most of the talking in the group. It is important to remember that people learn best by expressing themselves. They remember what they say more than what others say. They also feel better if they say it. Opinions and attitudes are more apt to change as a result of people expressing themselves rather than simply listening. If you allow each person to have a say, he or she will feel

CALLED TO LEAD

better about the group and about what they are learning. So the success of the group learning process depends less on what you say than on what they say.

Be yourself

There are many successful leadership styles. Style is simply a matter of being yourself on purpose. Be yourself, but be a disciplined you.

Listening can be learned

Listening is a skill. It can be learned.

Dr. Edward Wakin suggests ten guidelines for better listening:

Be interested and show it. Genuine concerti and a lively curiosity encourage others to speak freely. Interest also

sharpens your attention and builds on itself.

Tune in to the other person. Try to understand his or her viewpoint, assumptions, needs and system of beliefs.

Hold your fire. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Hear the speaker out. Plan your response only after you are certain that you've heard the whole message.

Look for the main ideas. Avoid being distracted by details. Focus on the key issue. You may have to dig hard to find it.

Watch for feelings. Often people talk to "get something off their chests." Feelings, not facts, may he the main

message.

Monitor your own feelings and point of view. Each of us listens differently. Our convictions and emotions filter -

even distort - what we hear. Be aware of your own attitudes, prejudices, cherished beliefs and your emotional

reaction to the message.

Notice nonverbal language. A shrug, a smile, a nervous laugh, gestures, facial expressions and body positions

speak volumes. Start to "read" them.

Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. We often enter conversations with our minds atready made up, at

least partially, on the hasis of past experience. Prejudgements can shut out new messages.

Work at listening. Hearing is passive. Our nervous system does the work. Listening is active. It takes mental effort

and attention.

Get feedback. Make certain you're really listening. Ask a question. Confirm with the speaker what he or she actually
said.

How To Be An Effective Group Leader

The Role of the Members

Some of the members of your group may be "content-oriented". They seek information, or opinion, or they want to give information or opinion, to elaborate and summarize.

Others will be more conscious of the group process. They are the type who give encouragement, and perhaps serve as gatekeepers by reminding the leader that someone has not had a chance to speak. They are willing to surrender their own agenda for the benefit of the group.

Most participants will probably do a little of each of these, but it is important to make everyone realize that each has a responsibility to help with the group process. If all participants accept these responsibilities, the group discussion will go much better.

Just as it takes time to become a good leader so it may take time for participants to grow in their role. This is a growth process and for some it will begin or be strengthened at these group sessions.

Rules of a good discussion

There are certain rules for making a good discussion. These apply to each member of the group - not just to the leader.

Be aware that the discussion is worth it. It can be rewarding if all play their role.

Be prepared.

If all participants do whatever preparation is required, the group will function better.

Be honest.

No one should think that he or she has all the answers but each

CALLED TO LEAD

should be ready to contribute whatever they do know. If someone offers an opinion, he or she should make it clear that it is an opinion (this is especially important for the leader).

Be sensitive.

Each should be conscious of the need for all to participate. Each can play his or her role in encouraging, listening for emotion rather than content etc. If this is truly a group of adults seeking to learn in an adult way then they must behave as adults, each accepting responsibility for the functioning of the group.

Each member should show consideration by pausing after someone else speaks, verifying what was said, agreeing whenever possible, and always being polite and courteous.

Three steps for dealing with special cases

What do you do when one participant continues to dominate all discussions despite all the rules having been discussed and agreed upon?

What do you do with "blockers" - those who for one reason or another impede the group process? They are the ones who say "Well, I don't think we should be dealing with that." Another type of blocker is the aggressor: "I didn't come here to listen to that kind of nonsense." Still another type are the self-confessors, those who believe the w_ hole world wants to hear of their sins and their conversion. There are also the sympathy-seekers and even the jokers who want to turn everything into a joke.

If the group is attentive and sensitive they can gently resolve such problems.

The usual solution is to attempt to bring the person on board by giving him or her a special task in the group. Before the next meeting ask the person privately if he or she could help you with the process. Ask them to look for certain things and help you deal with these.

How To Be An Effective Group Leader

The second approach is to get the group members to come to your rescue. They will already be conscious of the problem and will make an effort to help.

The final approach is to confront the individual privately, confess your difficulty, and ask him or her to cooperate.

These three steps should be followed as well, when dealing with special cases or any other problems as they arise.

CALLED TO LEAD

3. How to Lead a

Bible-Study Group

The Eucharist, breaking the Word, breaking the Bread.

How To Lead A Bible Study Group

The story of the People of God is presented to us in Scripture as a journey of faith. Your Bible study group is on a similar journey. One of your most important functions as a leader of such a group is to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in your journey together.

Do we need a guide?

When Philip met the Ethiopian who was reading the prophet Isaiah, he asked him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The man answered: "How can I unless I have someone to guide me?" (Acts 8:26-40). Anyone who has attempted to read the Bible knows this feeling of frustration. In the Bible there is so much material, in so many different styles, that it is hardly possible for the average lay person to make much progress, unless he or she has a guide. As the history of the Church attests, the Bible is open to all kinds of interpretations. Left alone, the individual is open to the possibility of erroneous interpretations. This means that it is essential that a group which undertakes the study of the Bible have a trustworthy guide.

Advantages of group study

As we indicated in the previous chapter, group sharing is the most effective way for adults to assimilate what they learn. This is especially true in the study of the Bible. Each individual comes to certain insights from their reading of the Scripture passages and the study material. These insights need to be shared with the group and in the very process of sharing there is refinement and growth.

The need for a leader

There are two kinds of leadership involved in the formation and functioning of a Bible study group. Someone must start the group

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and someone must lead the group in study and discussion. It often happens that both of these duties fall on the same person, but it is important to distinguish between the two roles. Some people who are good at organizing a Bible study group might have great difficulty in facilitating it. In such a case the organizer should be ready to seek someone else to be a group leader.

Some groups might decide to rotate the responsibility for leading i the group. This can work sometimes, but generally the group will have much greater success if there is one acknowledged leader.

Does the facilitator have to be an expert?

The answer here is no, absolutely not. It is, of course, an advantage to have someone who is an expert. The more one knows, the more one has to offer. But the group leader does not have to be a Scripture scholar.

We might say that the expert is the Bible course we are using, be it JOURNEY or any other approved Catholic course. Thus, it is the Church who is guiding the group through this course to a greater understanding of God's word.

A Bible study group should not be conducted like a classroom situation with a teacher and a group of students. People soon become bored by this approach, and they will stop coming to the meetings. The ideal situation is where all the participants, even the experts who may be part of the group, come with the same attitude and desire to learn, not to teach. In this way, each learns and grows, but each in different ways and at different levels. What some lack in formal schooling they often make up for in life experience and wisdom.

How To Lead A Bible Study Group

Persons who have been through a Bible study program are the ideal candidates for leading a group. If they have had a good experience they have learned a great deal and are full of enthusiasm for the Word of God. This fills them with the desire to learn more, and the opportunity to lead others allows them to continue to grow and learn.

Forming a Bible study group

As a general rule, establish your group from within your parish. It is important for your group to know that your meetings are part of the parish's ministry. Start by contacting your pastor.

Assuming that no group already exists in your parish, or that there are no plans to start one, your next step is to invite others to join you in a group study of the Bible. Place an announcement in the parish bulletin. Remember to include the proposed day on which you will meet, as well as the location and time. Give your name and telephone number so that interested parties can call and make inquiries. It is a good idea to post a list for people to put their name, address, and telephone number.

Location of meetings

As indicated in the previous chapter, a room at your church or local school is ideal, but a home can also work well. If you decide to hold your meetings in a home, be sure to let your parish priest know.

Even if you plan to meet at someone's home, you should consider holding at least your first session at the parish. This is an effective way of reassuring everyone that you are part of the parish's ministry.

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Do all the participants have to use the same translation of the Bible?

Any English Bible is a translation, because the Bible was written long before the English language came to be. There are several good English translations, or versions (see Appendix B). It is likely, therefore, that members of your group will possess different versions.

It is sometimes confusing for some to hear different versions of the text, but this is actually a good thing. No translation is perfect. Hearing a different translation often brings out a different shade of meaning. There are enough explanations in Bibles of the variations in verses and chapters that there should be no problem. Nevertheless, take the time to go over the explanations, so that no one will be left in the dark.

Ideal size

The ideal size for a small group discussion is eight to twelve persons. It allows all participants to have an opportunity to express themselves. Smaller groups (three or four) are sometimes difficult because the burden of carrying the discussion is spread too thin. Larger groups do not afford all the members the opportunity to discuss.

If the number of participants exceeds fifteen, you should consider one of two options. One is to split the group into two smaller groups. You can do this if you have someone willing to lead the second group.

Your second option is to split each evening into two parts, after your opening prayer. During the first part, break into small groups for discussion of the texts. Then bring the whole group together for sharing and questions.

How To Lead A Bible Study Group

Makeup of the group

Your group might be all women, or all men, or all young people. Or it might be a mixture of men and women, old and young. Almost any combination can work. It is wise to have most members coming from the one parish or faith-group.

The presence of one or two participants from another faith-group will enrich your study. The only exception to this is where some persons from a fundamentalist background join the group. Their approach to the Bible is so different that it is likely to impede or disturb the group learning process.

One or two teenagers in a group of older people can also work very well. But if a larger number of teenagers want to join, they would probably be better off with a group of their own.

The first meeting

The first meeting is probably the most important and requires some planning. First, make sure that each participant has all the instructional material beforehand. When you come together for the first time, it is best to get down to business as soon as possible.

This does not mean that some introduction of the participants is not necessary. Indeed, this is how the first meeting should begin, after a brief period of prayer. Nevertheless, do not be too anxious about getting everyone to know each other. With time they will get to know and trust each other.

As indicated in the previous chapter, you will also want to go over the ground rules for the meetings. You can do this fairly quickly. Make it clear that your discussion group is not a classroom situation; that each of you is there to learn; that each is expected to participate actively.

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Format for group meetings

Each meeting should have two basic elements: a discussion of the meaning of the biblical text and a discussion of its implications for our life. One method of stimulating discusssion is to begin with a review of the stories covered in the text and a discussion of the theology presented. Often a comparison of the meaning of the text for the time it was written with the meaning for today will stimulate very interesting dialogue.

The key, always, is to ask probing questions. Sometimes asking different members to prepare specific questions on different sections of the lesson can be very effective.

A successful meeting can proceed in a variety of ways. Try to vary the meetings as much as possible within the established format. In the end it is experience that will teach you which methods to use. Don't be afraid to experiment with various methods; don't be afraid to fail.

Prayer

It is important that you set a tone of prayer for your meetings. Prayer is our effort to unite ourselves - heart, mind, and soul - to God. Your group shares a desire to know God through His Word, so your whole meeting is itself a prayer.

Most Bible study programs provide some form of prayer for beginning the meeting; the JOURNEY program recommmends the use of a Psalm. The Psalms are very appropriate since they are the songprayers of the People of God, their response to the action of God in their history. The leader can follow the reading of the Psalm with an informal prayer invoking the Holy Spirit to be present and to guide the group through their deliberations.