WAYS TO ENHANCE THE MOORING EXPERIENCE 

1. Ask good questions

Check out this article by Amy Jackson called “Basics of Facilitating.” It outlines the kinds of questions group leaders might ask. Questions can be scaffolded so that each layer pushes the conversation deeper, requiring participants to become more reflective and transparent. The articles lists five types of questions to include in your discussions: Launching, Observation, Interpretation, Reflection and Application.  

For more insight, read Chapter 7 of Leading Small Groups that Thrive, entitled “Trivial to Transformative: Stimulate Meaningful Discussions.” Pages 118-129 provide excellent guidance on how you can leverage good questions to enhance the dynamics of group discussions. As we become more comfortable as leaders to manage the ebb and flow of discussion, we become better able to build fruitful learning experiences.  

2. Strive to involve all group members equally in the discussion 

Research suggests that members of successful groups talk about as much as they listen. As much as possible, invite all members to participate. Over time, members of the group should interact as much with each other as they do with the leader. In other words, over time, the leader should become more of a “guide on the side” during discussions.    

3. Don’t underestimate the power of silence

As leaders, we often try to fill the silent spaces between the question and the answer. Allow group members time to process your question (or distribute questions ahead of time so group members have time to consider them). Silence can be uncomfortable, but allowing time for reflection optimizes group participation, and reduces the tendency of leaders to be the primary speaker answering their own questions.

4. Establish group norms

While it may seem unnatural to formalize expectations for a small group, it is often worthwhile to establish some ground rules for how the group will operate.  Agreeing on group norms provides a foundation for cohesion within the group. This website provides helpful tips as you establish norms for your group.

5. Be an active listener

For leaders who are comfortable talking, your biggest challenge may be listening. You may wrongly assume that talking takes practice while listening does not. As Mooring leaders, we need to drill down on our listening skills!  There are two kinds of listening: “passive listening” is communication where the receiver simply takes in what is being said and provides no feedback; “active listening” includes responses that demonstrate that you understand and are interested in what the other person is trying to communicate. 

What does active listening look and sound like? Active listening includes asking follow-up questions, clarifying, summarizing, being patient (and not filling up the silence), and reflecting back on what was said. It also includes giving non-verbal feedback (head nods, eye contact, etc.) that indicates you are listening. When we show others we are listening to them, we affirm their worth and the importance of their point of view.

6. Plan additional gatherings

Commit to getting your group together outside of regular weekly meetings: go for a hike, meet in someone’s backyard, or plan a games night. These get-togethers outside of your regular meetings can strengthen and accelerate the growth of relationships, and can give the group opportunities to “gel.”

7. Celebrate steps

Take time to acknowledge steps taken toward Jesus. Remember the vision/purpose of Moorings is to “Learn, Live, Love,” so when group members take bold or even tentative steps in these areas, we ought to celebrate! Celebrate new spiritual habits (e.g. praying aloud in the group, leading a discussion, reaching out to others, sharing Jesus stories, etc.) Draw the group’s attention or encourage members privately when they express values that align with Jesus’ values.