Memorial Day Retreat
Small Group Leading Preparation Review
Pastor Janming Hou- May 21, 2004
Tips on Leading Small Groups
Do:
To get the groups interest, tell a story! Out of the blue, you can do this and then people will be
wondering “How does this relate?” The story may relate to their experiences or yours, but most
importantly it must relate to the discussion topic. Eventually you might want to lead into a real
discussion, but it should start out disguised.
Focus, and then pray (to start the discussion). Focusing them might require a story or summary.
Speak louder, clearer, and slower.
Leaders should sit across from each other, so no one feels “out of the group.”
Take notes and questions down during the sermon specifically for the small group.
Have an icebreaker the first time around; some people may be new.
Bribe them with candy, if possible (not with money, but with treats).
Reflect on the big picture. If they don’t see the big picture, all the little things won’t matter.
Lead the discussion with questions. There are three types of questions:
o Knowledge (used mostly, so try to vary it) - Asking them these questions tests their
knowledge and tries to “teach them.” Usually takes a form “What do you think … means?”
o Emotion - Basically you’re asking them how they feel about something. Takes on the form
of “How does … make you feel?”
o Action – This is asking them what they would do or did in a situation. Form: “What did you
do when …?”
Further divide the group into smaller groups, with a leader each. It helps discussion and makes it
more organized. If a leader is designated then they are forced to share (or be embarrassed!).
You might want to give them time to write down what they learned (or life applications) about the
sermon before discussion (some quiet time). This will help them to share.
Allot time, give time. Don’t let anyone be stripped of their chance to say something.
Go around (in conjunction with allotting time). If you go in a circle, it’ll give everyone a time to share.
Allow passing, but always come back to passers.
If a good question comes out spontaneously, it’s often good to follow that lead. Don’t leave people
wondering, as the question might tie in and do a great deal of building up.
Stop on time. This builds your credibility. Stop whether or not the discussion is going well or poorly.
If you’re gonna pray, pray in groups or have only one person pray for everyone.
Summarize, if possible. This can be done at the beginning or near end of the session.
Collaborate with your leading partner.
Don’t:
Say something such as “If the Holy Spirit moved you, please share.”
99% of the time the Holy Spirit won’t move.
Judge your success on how many people talk or how little silence there is. It is God that goes to work,
not you. Just do your best to glorify God and let him take care of the rest.
Teach. Although you can teach, the focus of the small group is not to teach. You don’t want people
feeling that you are on “higher grounds” than them as the teacher.