Would you consider starting a group where people can share from their time with God? All it takes is a time, place, and followers of Christ engaged in this process. The goal of a group like this is not a presentation or teaching but sharing what the Lord has revealed through our time with Him.
As the facilitator, your role would simply be to ask the three questions on the Trail Log and keep the discussion moving in a way that each person has the opportunity (not obligation) to share. You might say something like:
“Our goal is for everyone to have the opportunity to share a highlight from each of the three daily experiences we record in our Trail Logs. Bob, do you have a highlight you’d like to share from the Truth and Promises section this week?”
Give each person an opportunity to share from the Truth and Promise section, then move to the Adjustment and Assignment section and finally, to the Support and Encouragement section. After sharing, have a prayer time together to express what was shared and whatever other prayer requests are given.
345 Impact Groups are a great way to encourage the work of God in each other’s lives.
Characteristics of Great Growth Groups
SAFE GROUP: We will all do our part to create an environment where everyone can be real, open and honest with their struggles and victories.
CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.
SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time you share and how many times you share.
LISTEN: Let’s value one another during the discussions by really listening to what is being shared. Try to avoid thinking about how you are going to respond or what you are going to say next.
NO “CROSS TALK”: Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations.
NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each other. Jesus does that part. Give encouragement; speak truth and point to Jesus. Don’t try to solve or fix each other.
NO RESCUING: When people are sharing something deeply personal, there can be a tendency to try to make them feel better about themselves or the situation by providing immediate condolences. This will often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the temptation to rescue people.
USE “I” STATEMENTS: It’s easy to talk about the issues of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put yourself on the table. Try to use “I” statements rather than “them”, “the church”, “us”, “we”, etc.
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