Conducting your first discipleship group meeting can be an unnerving experience, but with God's power, it will be exciting and rewarding. In this chapter we will discuss the components of conducting a good quality small group meeting.

A. Creating the atmosphere.

It's been said that in teaching a small group, the atmosphere you create is more important than the content you communicate. That is especially true in a Discipleship Group. The following list was given by a group of students at a recent Conference in answer to the question, "What are some characteristics of a quality small group meeting?"

An open atmosphere where it is easy to ask questions.

A friendly atmosphere, where people think they are special.

Warmth is expressed ... you are accepted by the group.

Enthusiasm... people are positive and excited about learning.

Well planned... not just drifting along ... has clear objectives.

Content hits "felt" need - problems and concerns the group members are experiencing.

There is good rapport with the leader.

The people in the group have things in common.

Here are their responses to the question, "What does the leader need to do to help produce these characteristics?"

He gets together with individuals ahead of time to get to know them.

He accepts their answers and encourages good answers.

He shows interest in people personally and in what they have to say.

He is enthusiastic.

He states the objectives and summarizes at the end.

He knows the material well.

He asks good questions.

He is not threatened by questions he can't answer.

He helps individuals develop their personal walk with God.

 

B. Teaching the group.

Your role as a teacher is to help your group learn biblical principles in the areas of evangelism, discipleship and personal growth.

This responsibility will involve three steps:

Preparing

Conducting the meeting.

Evaluating.

Preparing. Spend time in prayer. Pray that each person in the group will hear what God wants them to learn. Take time to define your goals for the meeting clearly by asking yourself the following questions:

a. What do I want them to know? (Write it down).

b. What do I want them to feel?

c. What do I want them to do?

Conducting the meeting. Think through ahead of time exactly how you are going to conduct the meeting. The format normally includes catching up on news, Bible study, practical ministry and prayer as a group. This format is designed to give you and your disciples an optimum environment for both spiritual growth and multiplication.

Evaluation: It's okay to make mistakes and it's inevitable that you will. But in order to be a good steward of your time and resources you need to evaluate each week. This will help you to improve your teaching.

NOTE: Included in this manual are some other resources for you to use as guidelines to help you be an effective leader.

C. Determining the content.

The content should vary according to the type of group. Become familiar with different levels of group Bible study guides available.

D. Equipping the group.

Your role in equipping your members involves spending time with them in practical ministry training. This is an important part of your meeting. It will consist of explaining and role-playing all of the "how-to's" in this manual.

Role-play is an essential ingredient! Good role-play consists of actually talking to someone in your group as if they were someone who does not know Christ and then having the entire group evaluate the role play.

Have them answer these questions:

- What was good?

- What needed improvement?

- How can it be improved?

There are some specific items you will want to cover in training For example, if most of the members in your group are unfamiliar with witnessing, you need to train and role-play the following:

- How to introduce "Knowing God Personally".

- How to present "Knowing God Personally".

- How to introduce and present the Spirit-filled Life booklet.

- How to motivate a new Christian for follow-up.