How to Manage Communication in "Small Group Bible Studies"

3 levels of Communication in small groups
1. Information level
2. Opinions level
3. Feelings level

(a good leader can take the group to the 3rd level, however, don’t move too quickly or too slowly; moving too quickly will create an awkward transition and moving too slowly may get boring)

How to Transition your group from communication level 1-3
Structure your time together according to the levels of Communication

For example:

6:15-6:30 Social Time (games, eating, stories) *information level
6:30-7:00 Study Time (Reading Scripture/book, questions etc.) *Opinions level/Feelings
7:00-7:10 Prayer/deep application/sharing *Feelings level
7:10- 7:30 Social Time (games, eating, stories) *Information level

(Never Close a group at the feeling level! transition back to information level by slowly transitioning through a story or candy/food.


Using Ice Breakers for different levels of Communication

Social
How was school this week?
What was the most exciting thing you did this week?
What did you do this weekend?

Opinions
Who is your hero and why?
What is your favorite way to spend your time?
You might be surprised that I ______________

Feelings
What is your greatest fear about death?
What is your greatest regret?
How has God been working in your life?
What do your worry too much about?

10 Tips For Teaching A Small Group

10 Tips For Teaching a Family Group


1. Send Weekly Reminders to your group members
-Text, Facebook, Twitter, Handwritten Note

(Creating Facebook groups can be a great way to keep members up to date with important information/reminders)

2. Ask Open Ended Questions that Everyone can answer
-Don’t use big words people don’t understand
-Appoint peers to read a section of Scripture rather than asking.

3. Make sure peers who don’t show up are missed
- Send a note, Facebook note, text
-Meet peers who miss group time over lunch to catch up
-Don’t take it personal when peers don’t show up

4. Learn from each other
-Share stories, empower responsibility

5. Be Real and Share your struggles with your peers
-Don’t appear holier than thou
-If you share your struggles in an appropriate way, others feel like they can share too

6. Do activities together outside of Group Time and spiritual conversations.
-Eat meals together, go on a short trip
-Stress that groups are Family, not just Bible Study.

7. Evaluate your Group Sessions with your host.
-Talk about group dynamic, pray, plan snacks

8. Structure Time Wisely
-20% Time for hang out social time and opening prayer
-50% time for interactional Bible study
-30% time for life application/questions/challenge/closing prayer

9. Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
-Bible-based, Prayerful, Accountability, God-Honoring

10. Mediate between peers of different opinions
-Respect other peer’s opinions
-Try to find a Biblical common ground