Leading Dynamic Discussion

One of your responsibilities when teaching is to lead good discussion. You're not doing a sermon. You aren't doing a lecture.

Here are 10 tips for leading a dynamic discussion. (These were sent to me by an acquaintance, but I haven't found the original source.)

Serve as a facilitator, not a lecturer. Your goal is to encourage personal interaction and self-discovery. Avoid being overly directive or too passive.

Focus on what Scripture has to say, not your own ideas and opinions. Point group members to Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to make application according to each members need.

Maintain an atmosphere of love and acceptance. This can lead to open discussion. Never put down a person’s comments or contributions.

Ask simple, clear, open-ended questions. Questions should have several possible answers and simply answerable by a “yes” or “no."

Don’t force anyone to talk. Do encourage involvement by calling on reluctant participants by name. (This also helps control the overly talkative.)

Acknowledge responses when appropriate.

Ask follow-up questions. This may help clarify a general or vague answer.

Deal with incorrect responses and comments . You may try asking, “What do others think?” or “Does everyone agree?” Avoid telling the member that he or she is wrong.

Keep the discussion on track. If new issues are raised, suggest that they be tabled and returned to after the current discussion is completed.

Summarize main points periodically. This will help keep the group focused.