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.

The first section in each LF small group includes an introduction. Always begin with prayer. The facilitator may ask one of the group members to lead in prayer. After the prayer, use a sharing question to help get the group at ease and more comfortable in being a part of the discussion. The lead facilitator should respond to the go-around first, followed by the co-facilitator. This causes the group member to feel safer in participating in the exercise. After the facilitators have shared, the group members will share one after another around the circle. Always remind group members that they are not expected to share if they do not wish to share. The rule is that everyone works within their comfort level.

The sharing questions are not for detailed conversation. Ask the group members to keep their comments brief. If a person is obviously in pain during the go-around, the facilitator should interrupt and have prayer for the person in pain. After prayer, the go-around may resume.

The purpose of the introduction is to get to know the other group members so that there can be trust built for more in-depth discussion in the latter parts of the session. A good introduction will create a great environment for God to work.

Excerpts from Small Group Skills Guide. />