It also requires making the small group a safe place to share, express doubts, and give opinions. That means getting personal and being real with each other which can best be encouraged by a teacher’s own example. To foster community, teachers must incorporate time for members to get to know one another. Just because small groups can potentially be one of the best environments for Body Life to happen, doesn’t mean it will. As a facilitator, however, the teacher comes alongside of group members, keeping the discussion on track and pointing to their need to look to God’s Word for answers. Here are three goals for teachers that align with the potential of small groups:ġ) Facilitate learning from one another, studying God’s Word together.Ĭollaboration in the learning process will not happen if small group teachers find the need to constantly insert themselves, telling people all they know. A good understanding of the dynamic possible in a small group setting, should affect a teacher’s goals. Small groups, however, have the potential of encouraging maximum participation among its members. A Small Group Bible Study Teacher’s Goals Align with the Potential of Small GroupsĪ mid-size group such as a Sunday School class and especially a large group like those in a seminar or sermon, limit the amount of interaction among students, and consequently the degree of collaboration and community that can take place in those settings. If collaboration, community, and cultivation of spiritual growth are important, then teachers of small groups will view themselves as facilitators who foster the kind of climate for that to happen, always focusing on the ultimate goal.

A small group Bible study teacher’s goals will largely grow out of what one believes should be happening in a small group setting.

Bible study group