I knew I was out of control when I saw the invitation:
Bob and Chris Prouty
Missionaries from USA
Holding a session of Meditation, Question/Answer, Acting out ... Singing
at Aarthi's Home
Thursday at 7:30 pm
Potluck dinner 6 pm
All are welcome
Come and be blessed
It wasn't the way I would do things, but this is what Aarthi* gave to all her neighbours. The week before Aarthi had invited Chris and I over for dinner. She had heard about the Discovery Bible Studies we were doing in our neighbourhood and she wanted to start one with her neighbours. We had agreed that a potluck, where everyone brings some food, would be a good idea.
When we arrived at 6:30 we discovered that we were the first guests. One family got caught in traffic so we didn't start dinner until after 7 pm. By the time dinner was over there were 11 of us -- a bit larger group than I like for Discovery Bible Studies. My favourite number is 8. I think it gives a better dynamic.
Aarthi announces, "OK, Bob this is your time", and so all eyes are on me.
I search desperately around the room for my wife. She is the people sensitive one who is so gifted in setting people at ease. She is nowhere to be seen. Aarthi tells me she went over to visit a neighbour who did not show up for dinner.
I give my best shot at the intro: "Tonight we are going to have a guided discussion. I am not going to preach or teach. I have prepared a few questions and a portion of the Bible to look at. Two simple rules: We are only going to talk about the Bible passage on this sheet and you can pass on any question you don't want to answer.
"The first question is 'What went well this week?'. If my wife were here she would go around the circle and ask you each what went well. Why don't we try that?"
We go around the circle and everyone gives a short answer. The people don't know each other well and it will take time to build trust. Then I ask "What did not go well this week and how can we help". Most people said they had a good week with no major problems. I don't press. Many people see vulnerability as a weakness.
For our first Bible portion I chose Mark 2:1-12. I heard that Aarthi's neighbours knew something about Jesus and I thought this would be an appropriate scripture. I asked the person next to me to read the first paragraph. Then I paraphrased it. I was glad I left out a few things in my paraphrase. That gave the group something to correct. It also helped set a standard: you don't have to give a perfect recount. In fact, I find I remember best the things the group corrects me on.
When we had finished all the passage I asked Mahilini* to either tell us the whole story or to ask someone else to tell us the whole story. Mahilini decided to try. She gave a reasonable recount, leaving out portions that the group quickly added.
The rest of the Discovery and Applications went well. I am so glad that I added in the question: "What are some ways that people could apply this passage?" I pushed the group asking them to come up with five options before moving onto the question "How will you put this passage into action this week?".
When I asked the last question, "When do you want to meet again?" , there was dead silence. I waited and Aarthi said, "What about next week? Come around 7:30 for dessert."
It will be interesting to see what happens this week. How many will come back? What will the conversation be like?
I have told Aarthi that she will be the discussion leader this week. The week after I am flying to the USA for a month. I will continue to coach Aarthi, but I will not lead any more discussions.
How are you doing in starting groups? If you are looking for some good sets of passages consider these.
If you need help or have a question, send me an email. I want to see you be successful.
*not her real name.