1. Don’t Be Afraid Of Silence – Even If It’s Awkward.
Let the people sit for a moment and think. Silence isn’t always a bad thing.

2. Value People’s Input.
Do whatever it takes to affirm the comments of the person’s input, but do not be artificial with your praise. Be delicate with answers that are clearly wrong. Do not feel like you have to finish, complete, or correct an answer.

3. Don’t Feel Like You Have To Know All The Answers.
We are human, and it’s good for people to see that you are limited. You are, but most of them don’t think so.

4. Don’t Read Questions Word-For-Word.
Understand the questions and be prepared to ask them in your own terms. Feel free to generate your own questions during your preparation and even on the spot.

5. Don’t Talk More Than The People.
Ask questions to generate discussion, ask people to explain their answers and go into more depth. Allow multiple people to respond, even if the first person gets the “right” answer. Don’t preach sermon #2.

6. Do Ask People If They Have Questions.
Encourage them to deal with the material on their own terms. Create a climate where people feel the freedom to ask any question.

7. Do Echo Some Responses To Your Questions.
If someone’s answer or comment is long-winded or unclear, repeat it back (summarize it) for clarity. This proves you are listening and it keeps the attention of the rest of the group.

8. Don’t Move To A New Question Too Quickly.
After a person answers a question, ask, “Would anyone like to add to that?” or “Does everyone agree/disagree with that?”

9. Do Keep The Group Focused And On Purpose.
Don’t go down a rabbit trail and leave the topics and/or Scripture passages unless something “big time” comes up (EX…a family crisis). Be sensitive to the Spirit (but that’s not an excuse to be lazy and let the group wander). 

10. Do Require And Maintain Confidentiality.
This allows people to open up because they feel their environment is safe. However, don’t keep potentially dangerous information to yourself (EX…abuse, suicide, destructive intentions, etc must be reported to staff. When in doubt, tell the staff.)