Discussion Group Rules of Engagement

  1. In each group, have one or two people serve as facilitators. These individuals will lead or guide the discussion, but will NOT teach.
  2. Each small group member is INVITED to join in the discussion, but is NOT REQUIRED to do so. Even if a question is posed for everyone in the group to answer (for example, “Let’s go around the table and find out what everyone thinks about . . .”), each participant should feel free to remain silent on the subject. In such a case, someone abstaining might simply say, “Thank you, but I’d like to pass on answering that.”
  3. Alternatively, leaders/facilitators should NOT dominate the discussion. Discussion time is limited, so please be sure that everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity to do so.
  4. Be sure to respect one another’s beliefs, whether new to the Bible or a lifetime student. We are not here to CORRECT or even GUIDE anyone’s interpretation of what is being read. Rather, we are here to encourage each person as he/she struggles with the Bible's meaning.
  5. Begin and end your small group sessions—and return to the large group—promptly.