As we conclude this four-part series on the Living Free Small Group Format, it is important to realize that there is a reason for each phase. The introduction is designed to get people comfortable with the group. The self-awareness phase is to help people open up about their problems. The spiritual awareness phase is to encourage people to look at themselves in the reflection of the Word of God.

The last phase of the Living Free small group format is the application, which leads the participant to put the Word of God into practice. Hear what James says about applying God’s Word. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man, who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25 NIV

The application phase is actually a continuation of the spiritual awareness phase. Use the question listed in the Facilitator’s Guide to launch the discussion. Ask for volunteers to share their reflections on the question. The facilitators should emphasize the importance of the group members applying Biblical principles to their lives. Help for life-controlling problems begin with right thinking. “But be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NIV). Obedience to the Word of God should follow with right behavior. Right feelings will follow right thinking and right behavior.

Each phase during the small group session is a very important part of the overall time spent together each week. The introduction and self-awareness phases give each group member an opportunity to share and begin to build trust. The third part of the group session is the Spiritual Awareness phase.

The facilitator may say something like, “Turn in your Bibles to . . . Our discussion will be on . . “ Having briefly explained the topic, the facilitator should assign Scriptures listed in the Facilitator’s Guide. When each Scripture is called by the facilitator, the group member will read the verse(s). After the group member reads the verse(s), then give time for discussion.

The Spiritual Awareness time is critical in bringing freedom to individuals. Life challenges and issues are dealt with by searching the scriptures for real and relevant answers. People begin to see Biblical solutions to their problems. According to John, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NIV

To continue our four-part series on the Living Free small group format, the second sequential part of the meeting is the self-awareness phase.

After the introduction phase (go-around) is completed, the facilitator will lead the group into the self-awareness phase. Self-awareness is a time to practice James 5:16. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (NIV) It is important to stay on the subject matter. This is a time to focus on needs and healing, not to have a “martyr or pity party.” This phase will introduce the topic for the current lesson and will provide relevant discussion questions. Allow for 20-25 minutes for this phase.

It is suggested in self-awareness that the facilitators ask the group members to share as they wish, unlike the sharing question in the introduction phase where everyone is encouraged to participate. This is because people will be at various comfort levels, and they should not feel pressured to self-disclose if they are uncomfortable. As the group continues to meet, trust will be given an opportunity to grow and give everyone a greater comfort level.

There are many ways a small group can organize each session of their time together. Some ministries begin with everyone eating a meal before the groups begin while others add a worship and prayer time to their Living Free (LF) ministries.

No matter how the small group sessions are designed, consistency during the discussion times is important. Many people with life-controlling problems live in a state of chaos trying to maintain the addiction to the substance, behavior or relationship. Consistency in the small group can give the individual a sense of structure and security and begin to teach a person how to be consistent in all areas of life.

Each topic in the LF small group material is structured in the same format. The design of each group session includes an introduction, self-awareness, spiritual awareness, and an application discussion. Over the next four weeks, we will look at each of these sections in more detail to give you an idea of how a LF small group session can be effective.