Join Katie & Jesse as they give some great tips on how to facilitate good conversation in your Connect Group.
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In Connect Groups we are endeavouring to create an environment that fosters good conversation. They aren’t the place to preach your favourite message :)
This means that:
You don’t have to be a theologian to lead a connect group!
You don’t have to be articulate to lead a connect group!
Be yourself and don’t feel like you have to answer every question. “I don’t know but let’s find out together” is a great answer!
We are creating an environment in which people can grow.
When it comes to good conversation, how can we ask powerful questions?
Take the pressure off! You don’t have to get everything “right”.
Ask open ended questions, not questions that can be answered yes or no. (eg – “What did you do over the long weekend?” is a better question than “Did you have a good long weekend?”
Know that there is gold in your group
You may be the leader, but there is probably a lot of collective wisdom in your group.
You don’t have to answer everything. Let others answer.
Sometimes an individual can hijack or derail the conversation. If this happens, consider:
Ask, “Does anyone else have anything to add to that?” If Jack is doing all the talking, use people’s names to invite others to contribute, such as “Jesse, what do you think about that verse?”
Ask your Connect Group oversite, pastoral care, or campus pastor for their help or wisdom.
Chat with the individual separately. Let them know what you’re trying to achieve in creating an environment where everyone can share and feel like they belong.
As 2 Tim 2:23 says, protect against foolish arguments.
When you have a new person coming, let your group know so that they can all look out for them and welcome them. Consider following up with that person in the week after you meet to see if they enjoyed it.
