Jesus, the Master Teacher, taught the masses. Obviously, large group teaching has a place in communicating God’s Word. Jesus also taught smaller groups of people. Though He could reach more people in larger groups, the benefits of small groups also made them a valid platform for teaching.
Benefits of Teaching in Smaller Groups
Whether it’s an actual small group or a large class broken into smaller groups for discussion, our classes will have the potential of experiencing the following:
increased participation
deeper sharing
more opportunity for ministry to one another
greater sense of accountability
To Reap the Benefits, We Must Effectively Facilitate Small Groups
Simply having small groups won’t necessarily yield the above mentioned benefits. The scriptural principle of reaping what we sow certainly applies (Gal. 6:7; 2 Cor. 9:6). We must intentionally facilitate the group to produce the conditions conducive to this potential.
- Pray, pray, and pray some more throughout the whole process.
- Establish goals that head the group in the direction of these benefits.
- Adequately prepare. Don’t assume it will happen spontaneously.
- Arrange seating and an overall environment conducive to meeting the goals.
- Set the example in extending warmth and welcome to group members.
- Encourage Body Life (relationship building) among group members.
- Understand and accommodate group dynamics.
- Use the right kinds of questions.
- Learn how to keep a discussion moving and on track.
- Promote maximum participation by establishing basic guidelines for sharing.
- Provide opportunity for group members to pray for and serve one another.
More Teacher Training Resources: Small Groups