Facilitating A DISCOVERY Group
The facilitator has an important role in the group in listening, helping guide discussion, and preparation. Here are a few things to keep in mind in facilitating the Discovery Bible Study.
Keep to the Text
It is easy, especially for seasoned Christians or teachers, to bring other Bible passages into the current passage. However, this is not the purpose of the study. It is about learning what the passage is saying within its context. Also, if people are present who do not have any understanding of the Bible, bringing in other passages (or authors, theologies, etc.) can be overwhelming. That does not mean these ideas cannot be explored, encourage them to be discussed after the study or at a different time.
If another passage or verse helps to clarify the passage, by all means bring it to light, but do not get caught up throwing lots of other verses and passages into the text.
Allow Time to Answer
Silence can be awkward, but do not feel like it has to be filled. Some people need to think before they say anything or reread something before they give an answer. Allow time for people to think, read, and process. Do not feel like you have to be first to answer each question, but also be open to being the first to be vulnerable.
Over-talkers & Under-talkers
People have different tendencies in group settings. First, the facilitator needs to be balanced in talking. (S)he should not be the only one talking, but also does not need to wait on everyone else before saying something. Second, in relation to facilitating a group with these types of people: be sure to call on under-talkers for their insights (oftentimes quiet people have great thoughts) and let an over-talker speak, but be quick to call on someone else after they have finished their thought.
On Teaching
The questions-time is not for teaching, but for observing, applying, and listening. It may be easy for some to start teaching during this section. If someone lingers into teaching, direct them back to the question. The ending summary section is a time to ‘add’ teaching if needed to better understand the passage or bring points out that may have been missed.
Be Specific
Do not allow general answers. If someone gives a general answer, ask them a follow-up question. Someone may give an answer to the call question as “I will love my neighbor”, ask them, “what will you do to love them?” and “which neighbor; what is their name?”. Or if someone observes, “I see God’s love in this passage,” follow up with, “Which verse do you see it in? And how is it revealed?”
