What Is The Role of A Facilitator In A Discovery Group?

1. The leader is a facilitator - As a facilitator, you are still an equal part of the group. Don’t take over and don’t be the first sharer. Try to share last when possible, unless no one starts the sharing. Let people speak for themselves and don't echo them (don't repeat what they said as if people can only hear it when you say it).

2. Restate group expectations - Before DBS, remind everyone of these expectations, so the group can operate in healthy ways and hold each other accountable.

3. Be clear and specific with the present DBS question - Restate the question as needed. This helps people to stay on topic. 

4. Ask clarifying questions - Bring sharing into alignment with the given question and at times help people formulate a direct and clear answer (when they require that help). Manage tangents wisely and brings them back to the given question. 

5. Find creative ways to involve all present - Facilitate group dynamics to get the over talkers to no overshare or take over (by setting up clear expectation and holding them accountable to it), and to get the quiet ones to participate (by involving them).

6. Empower everyone in your group to become facilitators - Share the thinking behind WHAT you do as a facilitator, model HOW you do it, and share WHY you do what you do, so that everyone is trained. Your modeling is the best way to empower. Give opportunity for others to lead the DBS.

7. Give ample yet measured time for each question - Keep track of time and move the group along as needed from question to question in the overall time given (give @ 5 minutes per question - don't move on too fast, and don't stay too long when sharing is limited). Note that the last two questions take things deeper and more personal.

8. Follow through with accountability - The next time you meet, be ready to do loving accountability with what was share in the ME and OBEY questions. This means you have to record what was shared to be able to do so the next time. Plan appropriately!

More Specifics For Leading An Actual Discovery Bible Study

1. Facilitator chooses a Discovery Bible Study passage for the group study (see Bible Study Sets)

2. Facilitator decides how to do three touches with the passage, and who will read and retell, to expose the group to th passage prior to starting the DBS questions: FIRST READ > SECOND READ > RETELL (+ or -)

3. Facilitator leads the Discovery Bible Study using the 4 questions while giving sufficient time per question (@5 min a question)