Small Group Hosting & Facilitation

3 Essential Elements of Alpha Connection Christian Teaching Conversation

1.Friendship 2.Discussion 3.Prayer 4.Intro to Bible 5.Ministry/Caring 6.Training What is the aim of the Small Group?

Bigger group size is 8-12: two hosts two helpers eight guests Smaller groups have 6-8: one host one helper four to six guests What does the Small Group look like?

Sit in a circle Group people together with similarities (age, language, ESOL, EGR) 45 minutes maximum for discussion Hosts and helpers mix in with guests Always end on time! Practical Details

1. Making Friends Friendship attracts people to church Small groups encourage friendship Good hosts facilitate friendships and help create a sociable environment in the group Continue meeting after Alpha ends

Guests discuss the teaching they have just heard Ask questions and express opinions Different from leading a church home group or small group! Listen to the opinions of guests with humility and grace – not answer all the questions 2. Discussion

Ask questions that will get the group talking Keep the discussion on topic Encourage balanced participation among guests Listen actively, allowing for silences Encourage different viewpoints Summarize what has been said Make sure group ends on time Role of the Host

Ineffective hosting is…  not being properly prepared  letting one guest do all the talking Over-dominant hosts...  do all the talking  are afraid of silence Be a good encourager! Hosting Challenges

1)Guests will be afraid to disagree or doubt 2)The talks shed light on Biblical principles, and it’s up to guests to decide what they believe. 3)We need to trust the Holy Spirit to change people in time. 4)Even Jesus let the rich young ruler walk away and reject the truths he was told (Luke 18). Why don’t group hosts provide answers to questions?

Nicky Gumbel teaches that “as a general rule, helpers should remain silent and pray.” This is VERY helpful! However, depending on the helper’s skills & experiences, s/he could also: Clarify questions (John do you mean this & this?) Affirm opinions (Yes, I totally agree with that) Model sharing and openness (I sometimes feel confused too!) Take attendance (not in front of guests) Ensure the group concludes on time Be available for questions/prayer Role of the Helper

Listen to others praying short simple prayers Make it easy for guests to start praying together Make sure no one feels alienated Pray for guests on the Weekend/Day Away and Healing Night 3. Learning to Pray Together

Explain that the Bible, Word of God and Scripture are the same thing! Discuss options for creative Bible reading Provide a simple example using 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” 4. Introducing Bible Study

Serving others Praying for others Using the gifts of the Holy Spirit 5. Learn to Minister to Others

GuestHelper Host Facilitator Good hosts and helpers are friendly, sociable and able to relate well to others Train the team before every Alpha course 6. Training Others to Host

1/ The next national holiday should be… 2/ Does age matter in relationships? 3/ The most underpaid profession is… Remember to pick a Host and Helper. The rest of you can be opinionated, talkative, disruptive, doubting guests. Have fun! Get into groups of 6-8 and pick one of the following topics:

Responding to Questions: Great question, what do the rest of you think? Can you explain a bit more, or give an example? Are you wondering if… Has anyone else felt that way too? Does that make you feel… confused, betrayed, deceived, anxious? (learn feeling words!) Encouragement & Affirmation: Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate your honesty. Tell us more. Yes I can relate to that too! Take a minute to think about my question. That’s what we’re here for. No rush. It’s okay to have different opinions and disagree; discussion helps us learn! I’m glad you’re here. Small Group Language

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