Small Group Hosting & Facilitation

3 Essential Elements of Alpha 3 Essential Elements of Alpha

Connection

Christian Teaching

Conversation

1. Friendship

2. Discussion

3. Prayer

4. Intro to Bible

5. Ministry/Caring

6. Training

What is the aim of the Small Group?

What is the aim of the Small Group?

• Bigger group size is 8-12:

two hosts

two helpers

eight guests

• Smaller groups have 6-8:

one host

one helper

four to six guests

What does the Small Group look like?

What does the Small Group look like?

• Sit in a circle

• Group people together with similarities (age, language, ESOL, EGR)

• 45 minutes maximum for discussion

• Hosts and helpers mix in with guests

• Always end on time!

Practical Details Practical Details

1. Making Friends1. Making Friends

• Friendship attracts people to church

• Small groups encourage friendship

• Good hosts facilitate friendships and help create a sociable environment in the group

• Continue meeting after Alpha ends

• Guests discuss the teaching they have just heard

• Ask questions and express opinions

• Different from leading a church home group or small group!

• Listen to the opinions of guests with humility and grace – not answer all the questions

2. Discussion2. Discussion

• Ask questions that will get the group talking

• Keep the discussion on topic

• Encourage balanced participation among guests

• Listen actively, allowing for silences

• Encourage different viewpoints

• Summarize what has been said

• Make sure group ends on time

Role of the HostRole of the Host

• Ineffective hosting is…

not being properly prepared

letting one guest do all the talking

• Over-dominant hosts...

do all the talking

are afraid of silence

Be a good encourager!Be a good encourager!

Hosting ChallengesHosting Challenges

1) Guests will be afraid to disagree or doubt

2) The talks shed light on Biblical principles, and it’s up to guests to decide what they believe.

3) We need to trust the Holy Spirit to change people in time.

4) Even Jesus let the rich young ruler walk away and reject the truths he was told (Luke 18).

Why don’t group hosts provide answers to questions?

Why don’t group hosts provide answers to questions?

Nicky Gumbel teaches that “as a general rule, helpers should remain silent and pray.” This is VERY helpful!

However, depending on the helper’s skills & experiences, s/he could also:

• Clarify questions (John do you mean this & this?)

• Affirm opinions (Yes, I totally agree with that)

• Model sharing and openness (I sometimes feel confused too!)

• Take attendance (not in front of guests)

• Ensure the group concludes on time

• Be available for questions/prayer

Role of the HelperRole of the Helper

• Listen to others praying short simple prayers

• Make it easy for guests to start praying together

• Make sure no one feels alienated

• Pray for guests on the Weekend/Day Away and Healing Night

3. Learning to Pray Together3. Learning to Pray Together

• Explain that the Bible, Word of God and Scripture are the same thing!

• Discuss options for creative Bible reading

• Provide a simple example using 2 Timothy 3:16

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in

righteousness,”

4. Introducing Bible Study4. Introducing Bible Study

Serving others

Praying for others

Using the gifts of the Holy Spirit

5. Learn to Minister to Others5. Learn to Minister to Others

GuestGuest

HelperHelper

Host Facilitator Host Facilitator

• Good hosts and helpers are friendly, sociable and able to relate well to others

• Train the team before every Alpha course

6. Training Others to Host6. Training Others to Host

1/ The next national holiday should be…2/ Does age matter in relationships?3/ The most underpaid profession is…

Remember to pick a Host and Helper. The rest of you can be opinionated, talkative, disruptive, doubting guests. Have fun!

Get into groups of 6-8 and pick one of the following topics:

Responding to Questions:

• Great question, what do the rest of you think?

• Can you explain a bit more, or give an example?

• Are you wondering if…• Has anyone else felt that way

too?• Does that make you feel…

confused, betrayed, deceived, anxious?(learn feeling words!)

Encouragement & Affirmation:

•Thank you for sharing that. •I appreciate your honesty. Tell us more.•Yes I can relate to that too!•Take a minute to think about my question. That’s what we’re here for. No rush. •It’s okay to have different opinions and disagree; discussion helps us learn!•I’m glad you’re here.

Small Group LanguageSmall Group Language

Alpha Canada WebsiteAlpha Canada Website

www.alphacanada.orgwww.alphacanada.org

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