FACILITATING PRAYER OR GROWTH GROUPS 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… (II Peter 3:18).

Growth Groups

Reading and discussing the Bible or a Christian book provides the opportunity to grow in knowledge while connecting with like-minded Christians. As a facilitator of a Book Club, or Growth Group, in addition to determining the logistics (what book, who, where, when), it is also important that you know how to structure the discussion, keep it going, ensure that it is engaging, and provide guidance and support so that each participant benefits from the discussion. 

  • Ask questions that provoke thought, such as “Describe your reading experience?”
  • Discuss aspects of the book such as language, narrative voice, character development, plot development, author’s vision/intent, mood and setting, etc.
  • Have participants come prepared to share 2-3 passages that moved them, have them read the passages aloud and share why and how they moved them. 
  • If the book has a discussion guide, use it to lead your discussion. 
  • Highlight provocative or controversial passages or themes from the book and facilitate a discussion around those topics.
  • Find ways to make real-life and personal connections to the storyline, characters, or topics discussed.
  • Ensure that the participants leave with actionable commitments, always promoting change and life transformation. 

Prayer Groups

We know that there is power in prayer and a prayer group provides the opportunity for others to collectively share their needs, share their praises, and stand in the gap on behalf of others. A prayer group can be especially beneficial for women, providing them a way to connect with like-minded women as well as with their Heavenly Father as well as a way to feel supported.

                          Tips for Getting Started:

  • Determine who the prayer group would be most beneficial for (women, parents, anyone, etc.)
  • Determine the format (will you meet face-to-face, virtual/online, or will it be a prayer line) 
  • Determine the structure (will you pray according to a certain theme, certain scripture, based on needs of the participants, around a topical book, etc.)
  • Determine the time and day (will it be for an hour, 20 min, or anytime during a block of time, mornings or evenings or on a weekday or weekend, etc.)
  • Identify the group facilitator 
  • Recruit by sharing your belief that there is power in prayer – how has prayer made a difference for you
  • Set guidelines (confidential, no pressure to pray, can participants be anonymous, etc.)
  • Be consistent (opening prayer/devotional/ sharing/closing prayer or opening prayer/book discussion/sharing collective prayers, etc.)
  • Be sure to follow up on requests and give praise for answered prayers