Rephrase the question. Is the answer obvious, or the question confusing?
Have them first share in pairs
Call on someone you know to answer first
If your group tends to be quiet, try starting with an icebreaker or an easy question everyone can answer
Participant who dominates the conversation
Direct questions to others in the group: “I’d love to hear from someone who hasn’t shared yet.”
Outside of the study, ask the person to be mindful of making space for others
Sit next to the talkative person so you can face toward others and draw them in
Conversations get off on tangents
Agree as a group to humorously flag each other to stay on topic
Gently re-gather attention and restate the question
Theological questions that go beyond the passage
“That’s an important question, but this passage doesn’t really get at it directly. Let’s set it aside for now and maybe go there another time when we can look closely at passages that are focused on that question.”
“That’s a great question Christians have been talking about for a long time. We probably won’t resolve it here, but I’d love to hang out after group with anyone who’d like to talk more.”
Answers don't have a biblical basis
“Interesting; where do you see that in the text?”
“What do others think about that?”
“We might be getting away from the center of this passage, maybe we could pick up that conversation after group.”
“I think I see what you’re saying, but I’m not sure if that’s consistent with verse __ that says …”
Visitors
Have everyone introduce themselves, not just the new person
Great opportunity to re-explain this style of Bible study as you go
Explain any 'inside jokes'
Consider the level of sharing you are asking of someone who is new
Your group expects you to be the expert
Don't fill all the silences
Remind them that, in this format, it helps for everyone to contribute
Summarize other’s answers rather than answering the question yourself
