GUIDELINES FOR SERMON DISCUSSION GROUP LEADERS

1. Be well-versed with the sermon. You cannot lead well if you do not know the content well. Make sure you go through the notes and understand them well. If you have questions or require clarity, reach out to the preacher. 

2. Send a reminder to your group members to join on time. If anyone is missing the discussion, gently encourage them not to miss it and inform the group if they unavoidably have to miss it. Also, if anyone is missing your discussion, encourage them to join another group gathering on one of the following days. 

3. Post the discussion questions to your group members beforehand so they can come prepared to join the discussion actively. The questions are posted on the website. 

4. Ask someone to open the meeting with a word of prayer. Sing a song. Make sure to ask your group members whether they have listened to the sermon in person on Sunday or audio. To go through the notes without listening is not much helpful. 

5. Before engaging in discussion, briefly explain the sermon and then ask the posted questions. 
 
6. It is possible that you may have disagreements on some issues with the preacher. But it would be good if you were not divisive in leading your group. You may discuss your concerns directly with the preacher, but lead your group peacefully and have a healthy discussion. 
 
7. If you find someone in the group who has some questions and you cannot answer them, feel free to reach out to the preacher. Don't answer something you do not know.   
 
8. Do not dominate the group by talking more; engage all the participants to speak and share their thoughts.
 
9. Unless the participants are interested, limit your discussion to 30-40 mins. 
 
10. Make sure you prayerfully prepare to lead the group and end the discussion with a word of prayer, either by you or someone in the group.