Plan with purpose and make room for people.
A little preparation helps you arrive ready to listen, guide conversation, and care for your group. Use these steps each week, adapting them to your current study and the needs of your people.
Begin with prayer
Pray for the people in your group and what they’re carrying into the gathering. Ask God to help you listen well, recognize opportunities to encourage someone, and guide the conversation toward Jesus.
Consider whether someone needs a personal check-in before you meet.
Review this week’s resources
Read the latest leader communication and review sermon discussion questions, your current study, or Scripture passages you’re wanting to review. Note any announcements, preparation instructions, or upcoming experiences your group needs to know about.
If you’re following a study with weekly reading or activities, complete your own preparation before leading others through it.
Spend time in the Discussion Questions Focus Passage
If you’re using the sermon discussion questions, read the passage for yourself before focusing on the discussion questions. Consider:
What is happening in this passage?
What does the surrounding context help me understand?
What does it reveal about God and following Jesus?
How does it challenge or encourage me personally?
Look up unfamiliar terms and note questions you still have. Reach out to Anna when you need help understanding something.
Choose a few helpful questions
Review the provided questions and identify the ones that will help your group understand the passage and connect it to everyday life.
Prepare a mix of questions that help people:
Observe: Notice what the passage says.
Interpret: Explore what it means.
Apply: Consider how to put it into practice.
Have a few follow-up questions ready, such as “What makes you say that?” or “What might that look like in your life?”
You don’t need to get through every question. Leave room to listen and follow a meaningful conversation.
Plan a simple flow
Think through how you’ll make room for:
Welcoming people and catching up.
Sharing any important group information.
Sermon or study discussion.
Identifying a practical next step.
Sharing prayer needs and praying together.
Consider your agreed start and end times. Most gatherings meet for one hour and thirty minutes. If your gathering includes communion, serving, or another planned experience, make room for it in advance.
Prepare the space and communicate
Make sure the meeting location is ready and everyone has the details they need. Arrange seating so people can see and hear one another, and limit distractions where possible.
Have your Bible, questions, and any study materials ready. Invite group members to help with hospitality or other practical needs.
Arrive ready to pay attention
Your preparation gives you a starting point. Once people arrive, listen to what’s happening in their lives and respond thoughtfully.
Some weeks, a significant need will require more time for care and prayer. Other weeks, a question will deserve more discussion than you expected. Use your plan to guide the gathering while staying attentive to your people.