Author: Kenny Beck

Many group leaders mistakenly think that “discussion” is the holy grail. It isn’t. What you should really shoot for is participation. You want folks participating towards a certain point or goal, not an open-ended discussion that can and will go absolutely anywhere.

The questions in our No-Prep Series are intended to do just that—elicit participation towards a specific point. If your members start to stray away from these specific goals, nicely pull them back and keep them on point. Keeping “discussions” focused is an art form that the best group leaders develop over time.

Remember, what you are after is participation, not “discussion”.

Smile and be friendly.

People won’t remember what you say, but they will remember how you make them feel!

This teaching maxim sits on a plaque on my desk:

Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.

This saying is attributed to Ben Franklin but he likely borrowed it from an ancient Chinese saying. Whatever the case, it is so true! It is NOT your main job as group leader to “tell” or “teach” folks the things you know. It is your job to “involve” people.

Our No-Prep lessons are geared towards “involving” people. Each lesson has 12 to 15 probative questions to get the participation going. Just get people involved and they will naturally learn!

The most important thing you can do as a group leader is to FINISH ON TIME. Nothing respects people more than honoring your end time. My own personal rule of thumb is to NEVER run more than 4 minutes over.

Our No-Prep Bible Studies help you FINISH ON TIME. They average only about 1200 words and around 13 questions. Just make sure you start on time, say “let’s keep going” a few times during the lesson, and finish fast if you need to.

Give the lessons 45 minutes and it will work fabulously.

Remember, rule #1 is FINISH ON TIME!