Starting a WordGo group should be as easy and natural as meeting up with friends! One person initiates, then everyone contributes. We read, God speaks, then we are transformed. That is group Bible study made simple!
But what does being a Group Guide involve? Can anyone do it? Here are ten things we believe Group Guides should be and do:
Initiate
A Group Guide does not need to be a pastor, mentor or preacher; they are first and foremost an initiator.
All the tools, resources and training needed to start, run and grow a group are already there in the app. With the practical aspects taken care of, Guides become free to co-facilitate conversation, contribute to discussion and encourage others, along with the rest of their group.
Follow
A Group Guide doesn’t try to build a following for themselves, but actively encourages others to build on and follow Christ.
They guide from the back as the Lord leads from the front. They don’t try to impose their plans and preferences on the group, but humbly commit to following God’s agenda for any discipleship, development or growth that He wants to take place.
Prepare
A Group Guide is not someone who teaches the Bible, but prepares as much as any other active member to be taught by it.
The app provides everyone with all they need to explore, study and reflect on the Word of God each day. This allows the Guide to focus their preparation on the gathered part of the study, by reading the passage, considering the questions, planning conversation starters, and praying for their group before it meets.
Serve
A Group Guide is not someone who knows all the answers, but is always willing to answer Christ’s call to serve others.
Setting up the study and gathering their friends together are the Guide’s first acts of service. After that, the app serves the group with insightful teaching and explanatory notes; this releases Guides and Members alike to serve in whatever ways come most naturally to them.
Support
A Group Guide does not need to be everyone’s best friend, but they should be friendly, supportive, and have everyone’s best interests at heart.
WordGo has a wealth of in-app and web resources to help equip Guides as they support authentic discussion and genuine community among their friends. Guides can use these supportive tools and materials as they want, and when they want to.
Collaborate
A Group Guide isn’t someone who takes over responsibility for the gathering, but someone who creates space for the growth of the gathered-in.
They use the app to make it as easy as possible for people to participate in Group Gatherings. Why? Because they know that studying the Bible together is a joint effort, which relies on everyone spending time with the Lord, being willing to share their thoughts, and being eager to learn from one another.
Include
A Group Guide should not be the loudest voice in the room, but instead their aim should be to make room for every other voice.
WordGo offers Guides and Members alike tools for acquiring and practising these skills. Guides lead by example when they ensure they themselves never dominate discussion, gently diverting stronger personalities to make room for quieter ones, and empowering others to do the same.
Create
A Group Guide is not responsible for creating a great discussion out of nowhere, but they can help to create a great atmosphere for discussion that goes somewhere.
The app provides plenty of thoughtful questions to fuel conversation; this enables the Guide to focus on establishing an environment where people feel encouraged to go deeper into God's Word and with one another.
Anticipate
A Group Guide does not try to take the future of their group into their own hands, but instead hands their group over to the One who holds its future.
They don’t attempt to force conversation, but prayerfully anticipate the Spirit’s transformation as their Group Members get into the Bible, gain knowledge and grow in faith.
Celebrate
A Group Guide isn’t disappointed when a friend wants to start a new group; they celebrate that God is doing something new and has kept them in the loop.
They joyfully commit their efforts to the growth God has planned, knowing that He alone is the Master of multiplication.
Want to know more?
Interested in starting a study? Launching a group shouldn’t be difficult. You don’t have to struggle to find resources and get training.
To join the WordGo community:
… get the app
… gather your friends
… go!
