Discussion Tips | Brewery Ministries

In the six years since we began hosting discussion groups, we've now facilitated over 500 discussions. Here are a few things we've learned.

You don't have to know all the answers. Many people feel like they're not equipped to lead a group. In reality, most people feel this way, even when it's not true. But not to worry! Our discussion material is specifically designed to be self-guided. All of the context and background information you need is provided within the discussion sheet. This means anyone can use them, no teaching or deep Bible knowledge required. All you have to do is be willing to explore with someone.

There are many ways to host a discussion. Your group doesn't have to be large, and you don't have have to meet at a brewery. Even a conversation with one other person can be extremely valuable for both of you. Try hosting a conversation at a resturaunt, coffee shop, brewery or in your home.

Help new people feel at home. People who visit new groups are usually pretty nervous. Keep an eye out for visitors, greet them, and try to connect them with others if you see an opportunity or common interest. We often spend the first 10-15 minutes of our meeting just simply hanging out and talking, which can help put people at ease and build friendships before diving into the discussion material.

More isn't always merrier. Smaller tables typically have the best participation and most meaningful conversation. We recommend splitting up into tables of 4-7 people. In larger groups, those who are quieter or more reserved tend to speak up less often. To mitigate this, we often break up into multiple groups or tables at the start of the discussion. If you do want to run one big group, check out the next tip.

For Large Groups, Try Using A Timer. Groups of 8+ people are possible, but using an hourglass timer or a countdown timer on a phone can help keep the discussion from going too long. It can also help ensure that everyone has space to participate in the conversation. This approach typically leads to lighter conversation than breaking up into smaller groups. Try sitting in a circle and give everyone 1 minute to answer each question. When the timer runs out, whoever is speaking can finish that thought. Then the next person gets a turn.
- To figure out how much time the discussion will take, use this formula: (Number of participants) x (number of questions) x (timer length). For an 8-person group, 6 questions should take approximately 48 minutes to complete.

Allow people to pass. Some people just like to observe and listen, especially on a first visit. We always tell people, especially new participants, that it's totally okay to pass if they don't want to share. This helps avoid putting people "on the spot."

Help make space for people who need it. On the other hand, some people have trouble speaking up, especially when others in the group are more outgoing. This can create a bit of a challenge at times. We encourage discussion facilitators to read the room and make sure everyone who wants to participate has the opportunity. If you think someone is being left out of the conversation, try saying something like "Let's hear from (name)," or "Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Questions are the key to learning. There's a common belief that questions can lead others to lose their faith. We think it's not questions that are the danger; it's stopping at the question without looking for answers. We recommend encouraging others to follow their questions into deeper study rather than avoiding them. For us, this approach has led to a deeper, more enduring faith. At our groups, it's critical to create a safe space where people can ask honest questions and even voice their doubts. We trust God, the story of the Bible and the evidence provided in our discussion guides to help answer these questions over time.

Different perspectives can be a good thing. While sometimes in relationships we tend to feel pressure to agree, the appearance of total agreement in your group may actually be a sign that people don't feel comfortable sharing what they're really thinking. In reality, a room full of people will naturally be filled with different perspectives and opinions. When people feel comfortable expressing different views, safety exists within relationships. In a way, disagreement can actually be the real sign that your group is honest and comfortable with each other. This allows them to ask their real burning questions and begin the journey for answers.

We believe in boundaries. We know that each person has to make their own decision about what they believe. It's no secret that the religious space sometimes struggles in this area. It can be natural to feel pressure to convince others to see God the way we do. However, our experience tells us this approach often backfires. A guiding principle of Brewery Ministries is to respect boundaries by avoiding putting any pressure or guilt on others. As long as people are coming to your group, they're still on the journey. We trust God is speaking to them directly, through you, and through the material discussed. This in turn takes the pressure off of everyone, freeing you up to simply be there for them while they continue to explore faith.

You don't always need to rent a venue or room. Our group began meeting in a public restaurant at a couple tables. Early on, we ditched starting off with a microphone so we wouldn't require our own dedicated room. This prevented us from having to pay rent. For larger groups, you may be able to negotiate using a party room at a restaurant without having to pay rent if you're able to meet a food and drink minimum.

Tip Your Servers Well. If you're meeting in public place like a restaurant or brewery, some who come to your group may only be interested in the discussion and not order any food or drinks. That's okay, but at our groups, we encourage people to leave a good tip. This keeps a good relationship going with the venue and they will often be more willing to help you out when future needs emerge.

Ready to start your own discussion group? Click here to check out the discussion material!