How to Use Discussion Guides

Each week of small groups you will receive a small group discussion guide (go to https://www.bridgewater.church/small-groups-email to sign up to get these guides). 

These guides are not designed to be an exhaustive checklist, but instead some ideas and recommendations for where to take the conversation. We create these to be helpful to you as the leader - so use what is helpful to you and leave what isn’t. You do not have to ask each question -  in fact we would recommend you do not because that would take too long or not give everyone a chance to answer well. 

Take time before your small group meeting to read through the guide and the Scripture passage(s) and decide what questions you want to focus on and any you want to add or change. Consider your group - their needs, experiences, questions, etc. Don’t be afraid to go off script if the Spirit (NOT a distracted group member) leads you in a different direction than you had planned. Often the greatest life change is in those unplanned moments where someone shares a sin or struggle or asks a really good question surfaced by tension that God has allowed in their life. 

Please reach out to us if you have questions or would like help figuring out how to lead a discussion using these guides. Thanks for the investment you are making in the lives of people! You are a big part of the reason that Bridgewater is making more and better disciples!