Facilitator's Guide

Your Role as Facilitator
As a facilitator, you are not a teacher or judge. You are a guide. Your task is to create a safe, welcoming space where participants can share, listen, and reflect on life and faith. Think of yourself as both a host (making sure people feel at ease) and a shepherd (gently guiding conversation toward truth and encouragement).

Before the Session
1. Pray for the Group
- Ask God to prepare hearts, guide conversations, and allow His Spirit to move.
2. Prepare the Environment
- Choose a quiet, comfortable space where everyone can sit in a circle or close group.
- Set ground rules for respect, confidentiality, and freedom to pass on any question.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Deck
- Review a few Grow and Know cards so you know what to expect.
- Be ready to briefly highlight the Biblical truths after participants have shared.

During the Session
1. Set the Tone
- Welcome participants warmly.
- Remind them this is a judgment-free space where honesty and respect are valued.
- Explain that anyone may pass on a question without pressure.
2. Guide the Conversation
- Start with Grow cards to ease into the discussion.
- After reading the card aloud, let participants share in turn.
- Keep track of time to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.
3. Practice Good Facilitation
- Listen actively: Nod, affirm, and show empathy.
- Don’t dominate: You’re not here to give all the answers, but to make space for discovery.
- Affirm contributions: Acknowledge participants’ courage in sharing.
- Redirect gently: If someone dominates the time or the conversation goes off track, kindly bring it back to the question.
4. Transition to Know Cards
- Only introduce Know cards when the group feels ready. Look for signs of trust and openness.
- Preface the shift: “These next questions may feel a bit deeper. Remember, there’s freedom to pass. Let’s listen with care and respect.”
- After sharing, highlight the Reassuring Statement and Biblical Truths to ground the discussion.
5. Closing Session
- Summarize a few positive themes that came up.
- Thank participants for their honesty and presence.
- Offer to close in prayer (optional, but recommended if the group is open).

Practical Tips and Wisdom
- Model vulnerability: Share openly yourself. It gives permission for others to do the same.
- Create safety: Avoid debate or correcting someone harshly; instead, gently point back to Scripture.
- Read the room: If participants look restless or overwhelmed, shift gears, lighten the mood, or take a short break.
- Use silence well: Don’t rush to fill pauses; sometimes reflection takes time.
- End with hope: Even if tough topics arise, remind participants of God’s love and truth.

Sample Session Flow (60-90 minutes)
1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)
2. Icebreaker Grow Card (10 minutes)
3. 2-3 more Grow Cards (20-30 minutes)
4. Transition to Know Cards (20-30 minutes)
5. Wrap-up and Closing (10 minutes)

Final Encouragement for Facilitators
Facilitating isn’t about perfect leadership, it’s about creating space for God to work. Trust Him to move through the questions, the stories shared, and even the moments of silence.