Small Group Facilitator Training

I have long been an advocate of parishes forming small groups for adult faith formation and sharing, and I have blogged previously about the importance of small faith groups. I have also talked about the importance of training people to serve as small group facilitators. While it is helpful, it is not necessary for a small group facilitator to have formal theological training. What is needed are basic facilitating skills.

With that in mind, I am happy to share with you “Preparing to Serve,” a slide presentation that provides a basic overview of the skills needed to facilitate a small faith group.

The presentation runs just over 11 minutes and covers the following:

the role of a facilitator
establishing trust
personal preparation
preparing the environment
posting signage
welcoming and hospitality
setting the tone
leading prayer
adult learning principles
leading discussions
asking questions
handling difficult participants and situations
doing follow-up after a session

Some small faith groups can focus on the Sunday Scripture readings using resources such as the Sunday Connection or Sacred Space, while others can focus on experiences in study or prayer, using tools such as Meeting Christ in Prayer, Meaningful Conversations About Prayer, An Ignatian Prayer Adventure, or Six Weeks with the Bible. Still other groups can host book discussions. Many Loyola Press books, like the following, have discussion guides, making a leader’s job easier. (For each book, click on the “Extras” tab.)

A Friendship Like No Other: Experiencing God’s Amazing Embrace by William A. Barry, SJ
Raising Faith-Filled Kids by Tom McGrath
Under the Influence of Jesus: The Transforming Experience of Encountering Christ by Joe Paprocki
Practice Makes Catholic: Moving from a Learned Faith to a Lived Faith by Joe Paprocki
A Well-Built Faith by Joe Paprocki
7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness by Joe Paprocki
The Bible Blueprint by Joe Paprocki
Blessed by Less by Susan Vogt
Start with Jesus by Julianne Stanz
Braving the Thin Places by Julianne Stanz
The Inner Chapel by Becky Eldredge
The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis

The One Book, One Parish reading program includes discussion guides for affordable books perfect for multiple small groups to use within the parish. Learn more.