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SMALL GROUPS. “On us particularly rests the responsibility of reshaping with boldness and wisdom the means that are most suitable and effective for communicating the Gospel message to the men and women of our times.” Pope Paul 6th. WHAT’S GOD UP TO?.
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“On us particularly rests the responsibility of reshaping with boldness and wisdom the means that are most suitable and effective for communicating the Gospel message to the men and women of our times.” Pope Paul 6th
WHAT’S GOD UP TO? • Provide opportunities for people to respond to the Gospel message • Respond to potential ‘God moments’ • Pray eg healing • Provide eg giving a ride In a youth culture that cries out ‘prove God exists’, we need to demonstrate faith
WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP? • Size • Safe
WHY SMALL GROUPS? • Opportunity to voice what they believe. • Ask any question • Discover truth for themselves • Teach them how to think, not just what to think • Build relationships
SMALL GROUPS Leadership • Who? Use young people • Role of facilitator, not guru • Encourages, guides and steers discussion • Look for opinions • Don’t take sides • Briefly summarise main points
GET PEOPLE TALKING • Prepare questions • Ask the right questions • Open ended vs Closed - ‘what do you feel?’ ‘what do you think?’ • Simple vs Complicated • Specific vs Vague • Direct questions back into group - ‘what does everyone else think?’ • Give encouragement
BE PREPARED FOR DISCUSSION GROUP QUESTIONS Team Training Resource: Searching Issues by Nicky Gumbel, A must read for your team: The seven issues most often raised on Alpha