Step Three - Preparing for the Group Discussion

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Step Three Checklist

Formatting your Class:

(We suggest allotting 2 to 2.5 hours for each class session. This will give you ample time to watch the material and have good, rich discussion. Inevitably, you will feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface on discussions. That’s ok, the point is not to solve everyone’s problems and see them completely healed. The point is to give the TOOLS they need for ongoing healing.)

• Prayer

• Review last week’s action steps (10min)

• Watch the Video (25-50min)

  • There are two Waypoints we suggest breaking up into two parts (Waypoints 1&2).

  • Waypoint 1 - Break at 34:48 and discuss a little, then finish

  • Waypoint 2 - Break at 29:17 and discuss a little, then finish

• Discuss the Video (55 min-1hr 15min)

• Talk through assignment/action steps (10min)

Facilitating Discussion:

• Before your first discussion set some ground rules for the discussion and ask everyone to agree on those ground rules.

  • This is not going to be a gripe or gossip session.

  • We’re going to listen and reflect back before offering commentary or advice

  • We’re going to be supportive and edifying, building each other up and encouraging each other

  • Everything talked about in this group stays in this group. CONFIDENTIALITY and TRUST!

  • We’re not going to dominate conversation. We’ll practice a good balance of speaking and listening. (2 ears, 1 mouth)

• When the video is finished turn off the display and begin discussion. It’s important to begin right away so as not to lose the moment. Vulnerability can quickly dissipate. 

• We have provided sample questions. We suggest learning the nature of the questions and using your own language to ask them. We highly encourage you not to read the questions off the page. This puts a major barrier between you and the other participants

• Abide by the 90/10 rule . . . this is not an opportunity for you to teach. This is an opportunity for you to draw out. 

• LISTEN, REFLECT, ASK ANOTHER QUESTION FOR DEEPER UNDERSTANDING AND ENGAGEMENT.

• Be ok with awkward silences. Silence does not need to be filled. It means people are wrestling with the question. Don’t fill the silence yourself.

• Good facilitators funnel the conversation down to the big takeaway we’ve provided for you. The best facilitators are able to do this without even stating the takeaway. They lead others on the discovery journey.

• There are situations where you’ll have to stop people and redirect the conversation. Don’t be timid about this. You have to set the tone and the culture for the group. 

• Don’t let the discussion go down unnecessary and unhealthy rabbit trails. Some rabbit trails are good (if it’s leading to a healing perspective shift). Others are not.

It may be necessary to have one-on-one conversations after the group if you have anyone in your group who does the following:

• Someone who tries to give everyone advice

• Someone who is regularly dominating the conversation?

• Someone who is difficult or antagonistic.

What to do if you have some issues that arise that are above your ability to disciple and shepherd:

• Ask your pastor for additional counseling resources you can direct people to.

• We have a partnership with Faithful Counseling (a global online counseling ministry) that can be a great resource for you to refer people to. www.faithfulcounseling.com/nothingiswasted

• Make sure you have discussed with your pastor/leader the protocol if someone mentions ultra-sensitive things like abuse or suicide. Your church may be held liable depending on how these are mentioned, so make sure you know what your pastor and church leadership wishes here.