A small group Bible study teacher’s goals will largely grow out of what one believes should be happening in a small group setting. 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 Align with the Potential of Small Groups
A 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. Small groups, however, have the potential of encouraging maximum participation among its members. A good understanding of the dynamic possible in a small group setting, should affect a teacher’s goals.
Here are three goals for teachers that align with the potential of small groups:
1) Facilitate learning from one another, studying God’s Word together.
Collaboration in the learning process will not happen if small group teachers find the need to constantly insert themselves, telling people all they know. 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.
2) Foster an environment for community.
Just because small groups can potentially be one of the best environments for Body Life to happen, doesn’t mean it will. To foster community, teachers must incorporate time for members to get to know one another. That means getting personal and being real with each other which can best be encouraged by a teacher’s own example. It also requires making the small group a safe place to share, express doubts, and give opinions. Teachers must not tolerate or demonstrate condemnation, ridicule, or disregard.
3) Focus on discipleship, the spiritual growth and health of everyone.
Hebrews 10:24 exhorts us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching”. The ultimate goal of collaboration and community in studying the Word together isn’t merely to gain head knowledge or to build good relationships but rather to help group members grow to become more fully devoted followers of Jesus who love the Lord which spills over into loving people (Matt. 22:37-40).
For More: Small Groups Teacher Training Resources