Learning Objectives

We’ll demystify the steps and factors that make awesome group discussions possible, and we’ll equip you to facilitate them. This course will consider discussions of all kinds, including Bible study.

  • Recognize the significance of quality small group discussions

  • Gain the skills and tools needed to facilitate great group conversations

  • Establish a plan for growing as a discussion leader

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~45 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off.

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Discussions that Go Deep

    • Get 'em Talking

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .

  • 2

    Chapter 2: Hallmarks of Healthy Conversations

    • Lesson 1: What Is a Healthy Conversation?

    • Lesson 2: Setting the Stage: Group Guidelines

    • Lesson 3: Who, Me?

  • 3

    Chapter 3: Leading Healthy Conversations

    • Lesson 1: Key Transition Points

    • Lesson 2: Tips to Strengthen Convos

    • Lesson 3: Going Deeper Questions

    • Lesson 4: Leading Online

  • 4

    Chapter 4: Navigating Conversation Speedbumps

    • Case Study 1:"But My Pastor Said..."

    • Case Study 2: The Bible Expert

    • Case Study 3: Tangents Galore!

    • Check for Understanding (Quiz)

  • 5

    Chapter 5: Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use/adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.

 

Worksheets

Facilitating Great Discussions Quicksheet

(3-page pdf)

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!


Guides

10 Tips to Strengthen Group Conversations

(1-page pdf)

This sheet details ten different ideas to keep discussions moving.

11 Ways to Facilitate Great Conversations
(Coaching for Leaders webpage)

11 principles for facilitating great conversations in almost any environment.

Tips on Facilitating Effective Group Discussions

(Brown University webpage)

Consider the features of effective discussions, and conditions that promote small group interaction and engagement


More

Healthy Conversations Venn Diagram

(png image)

Venn Diagram of healthy conversations that include inclusivity, deep connections, and welcome. 

Mr. Rogers’ Quiet Revolution

(Faith Gateway webpage)


Details Rogers as an example of how revolutionary the practice of silence can be in our culture of noise and busyness.