Facilitating Lively Discussions

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Learn from these often-overlooked keys to making the most of your small-group lesson.

by Terry Powell | posted 6/28/2007

Topics:	Communication, Discussion, Group dynamics, Interaction, Listening, Participation
Filters:	Facilitator, Lead, Leader, Teacher
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Proverbs 18:13 , 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Hebrews 3:13
Date Added:	June 28, 2007

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As a small-group leader, how you respond to group members' inquiries is important to the life of any discussion. What you say and do when they pose a question either enhances or stifles further group interaction. But responding to their questions is just one of a number of discussion-leading skills you'll need to cultivate. Other competencies have to do with your reaction to their answers to questions.

This article examines a taken-for-granted aspect of discussion-leading. Below, you'll find several important things to keep in mind when responding to group members' participation.

Exhibit enthusiasm

When you lead quality Bible discussions, people will find fresh, "I've never thought of that before" insights. In response to a study question, participants may notice a truth for the very first time, especially if they're recent converts. Then they verbalize their discovery for others to hear. As a leader, this is the time to reward their participation with positive reinforcement. Express excitement over their discoveries as if each one is new to you.

What you say right after someone contributes is crucial. If her point is elementary to you or something you've known for years, your instinct may be to gloss over it with polite acknowledgement. But your verbal reaction should express fascination with the participant's discovery! I'm not advocating mushy, superficial remarks or positive reinforcement of an incorrect response. But I am encouraging you to speak a few sentences that dignify legitimate answers. Give verbal applause that recognizes a person's textual investigation. Public congratulations will encourage people to keep delving into Scripture and participating in the discussion. Help them build confidence in their study skills and convince them that God's Spirit can unveil biblical truth to them.

Show sincerity

Here's the flipside of the positive reinforcement coin: Temper your enthusiasm in relation to the quality of a group member's answer. Indiscriminate praise without regard to the quality of their answers backfires because your commendations come across as insincere. Group members hesitate to give serious thought to a question if you treat every answer the same. So reserve the highest praise for the best answers, or for feedback that reveals critical thinking on the issue you're discussing. Also, be sure to praise participants for thought-provoking questions they raise and for input that shows an honest effort to wrestle with the text.

One way to show sincerity is to make your positive reinforcement as specific as possible. Which part of a group member's response hit the bull's eye? Notice how the following reinforcements shine the spotlight on distinctive aspects of learner contributions:

"Excellent answer, Valerie. I like the way you referred to Jesus' words to support yourÂ Â Â Â conclusions."
"Way to go, Bryan! You did a good job of putting Paul's remark in context."

By pointing out particular elements within learners' remarks, you motivate them to keep participating. You prove that you listened carefully to what was said.

Win with waiting

Brad takes pains to pepper his Bible study with thought-provoking questions. That's why the absence of stimulating discussion in his group puzzles him. The answers he receives are terse; seldom does anyone piggyback on the first response.

"Why aren't they more responsive?" Brad wonders aloud during a breakfast appointment with David—Brad's best friend and a member of the group. David decides to shoot straight with him.

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