GROUP FAITH SHARING GUIDELINES

As we listen to others share how God is speaking to them, God can also speak to us. We need to listen attentively with our ears and eyes in order for us to hear God speak through others.

1. See Jesus in every member of your group.
2. Love each member just as she or he is today.
3. Share only what God is revealing to you about yourself and your own life today.
4. Give one another equal time to share.
5. Be Courteous - allow each person to speak without interruption.
6. Do not try to solve another person’s problems. Just listen.
7. Do not teach, preach, judge or give advice.
8. Confidentiality is essential for the trust level of a group. Do not share what is discussed with others outside the group.
9. All members should assume responsibility for these guidelines. Gently remind anyone who forgets.

MUTUAL INVITATION PROCESS:

This process is helpful to use in the initial phases of a dialogue. It helps people to get to know one another’s names and it gives the "power" to the group members to control the process.

One person begins by sharing his or her response to the faith-sharing question. When finished sharing, that person invites another person by name. This is truly an invitation to speak, not a "selection." The person who "invites" another person to speak should really want to hear what he or she has to say. Do not to invite the person next to you as this encourages going around the circle, which hinders the process.

If the person invited is not ready to share, he or she may pass, but should invite someone else to speak. This way the person does not lose his or her "voice." Group members should remember who has spoken and be sure to invite those who have passed on the first round.

Continue the process until everyone has had the opportunity to share. When everyone has shared, if there is time left over, do some cross-talk in the group.

KEY POINTS FOR DISCUSSION FACILITATORS / ENABLERS

“Communication leads to Understanding
leads to Acceptance
leads to Hearing
leads to Affirmation
leads to Celebration.”

• Your own prayer, spiritual life and personal relationship with the Lord are the most important ingredients in being a good facilitator I enabler.
• Create a relaxed atmosphere and don’t be anxious. Believe that the Holy spirit is working in you as well as in each member of the group.
• Have concern for others, a charity that reaches out in Christ’s name to every human being.
• Be open to working with people of divergent views and personalities. Remember that acceptance and respect for views other than your own does not necessarily mean approval.
• Be aware of body language, yours and others (bored, anxious, defensive, etc.)
• Encourage expression of feelings, not just ideas; feelings are often indicators of our values.
• Be respectful and supportive of each member’s ideas and feelings. Seek out and encourage shared leadership.
• Do not lead too much or talk excessively; avoid forcing your own viewpoint or talking from a position of status. Avoid teaching, sermonizing or moralizing.
• Be patient and let ideas ripen. Let there be moments of silence. Allow people to relax and be comfortable with one another.
• If someone tends to dominate and talk too much, draw the focus back to the group so that all have the opportunity to share. If that person persists in dominating, speak to him or her privately.
• Do not ask questions that require a ‘yes” or “no” answer unless you want precise data. Observations allow a more generalized response: “Sometimes I ~m uncomfortable with the idea that God allows suffering, I wonder what your thoughts might lee.”
• If a person is timid or shy, be patient and do not force him or her to share. Use gentle probes, a way of asking a question that gives the freedom to answer or ignore: “Perhaps you would like to add something, Mary.”
• Confidentiality is essential. Remind the group that anything shared during the session that is of a private nature should not be discussed outside the group.
• Shared prayer will be a new experience for many. Don’t force or pressure anyone. Allow the members to be comfortable in the presence of God.
• Be optimistic that the goal of shared faith is not only good but that it is reachable. Have confidence in yourself, in others and in God’s promise of assistance.