E100 Small Group Study Guide

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The Study Questions for the small groups can be downloaded as a PDF here

INTRODUCTION

These studies are designed to pick up on topics and issues raised during each set of five days’ readings.
The hope is that as people meet each week, they will be given plenty of opportunity to share what God
has said to them during the course of the preceding days, and any questions or difficulties which have
been encountered, looked at and addressed by the group as a whole. Overall, the group meetings will:
• deepen understanding of the material
• provide an interchange of views and insights
• encourage continuation in the journey through the book.

OUTLINE OF STUDIES

Interactive introduction: A short time enabling the group to start interacting on the subject matter.
Linking this into an opening time of worship will create cohesion to the study.

Overview of the previous five readings: This can be handled in a variety of ways depending on the
nature and size of the group. Encourage group members to give feedback on their readings. This could
be by way of sharing reactions to what they have read, or more specifically by asking open questions
such as: What has excited you? What has puzzled you? What has challenged you? If, however, there is
a wall of silence, the leader should be ready to summarise major points. Leaders need to be aware of
the temptation to provide all the answers too quickly. Work on the assumption that the group will
produce the answers – and only step in as a last resort.

Going deeper: This is the heart of the session, when we really get to grips with the material. Insights
from all group members should be encouraged, with an emphasis on the practical outworking of the
Bible passages in the lives of group members. There will inevitably be differences of opinions, and these
should be handled sensitively – hopefully resulting in deeper understanding rather than polarisation of
narrow-minded views.

Personal challenge: It is essential to encourage group members to ask: What has this said to me?
What difference is it going to make to my view of God? To my daily life? This personal application is
the key to allowing the Holy Spirit to use the Bible to change lives.

POINTERS TO DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL GROUP

Good preparation: Give prayerful consideration to all parts of each study. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide
you in leading the session, particularly in dealing with issues arising in discussion for which you had not
planned.

Other resources: Draw on other resources to complement the material. Useful articles and tips on
small groups can be found on the church@home website: www.scriptureunion.org.uk/churchathome.
Variety: Use different methods to stimulate discussion, raise issues and collate information. Resource
books such as Multi-Sensory Prayer and Multi-Sensory Church, by Sue Wallace, will provide a host of
ideas.

Sensitivity: Be sensitive to the needs of each person in the group. Some will need encouragement to
share their thoughts and insights, whereas others will need holding back. Develop a framework in
which everyone present feels relaxed and able to share at whatever level they are comfortable with.

Support: Foster an affirming ethos in the group, providing a forum into which every group member
feels able to contribute if they wish, where there is mutual encouragement to continue on their journey
through the book, and when any member has difficulty grasping certain points, providing helpful
explanation.