Introducing Barbara Fleischer on Facilitation

Hello facilitators,

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing some passages from Barbara Fleischer’s book Facilitating for Growth: A Guide for Scripture Study Groups and Small Christian Communities (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1993).  Although the book was published a few decades ago, it is still highly regarded and used by many study groups throughout the world in academic, ecclesiastical, and other settings. Barbara is an Associate Professor Emerita and former Director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry in New Orleans, and also a personal friend from whom I have learned a lot.

Barbara writes:

 “The verb “facilitate” means “to make easy.”  In the context of small groups, the facilitator makes easy the work of the group, enabling members to accomplish the task they set before themselves and to enjoy the time they spend together.  For groups who gather to study Scripture or other theological texts, the facilitator guides participants in their explorations and reflections, helping members share their thoughts, feelings, actions, and deepening prayer life with one another.  Nourishing the group’s spirit of joy is also an important part of the facilitator’s calling.”  (p. 9)  

 “Great facilitators are not born with their abilities; they develop them.  Effective facilitators know what to look for in observing group process. They can articulate their ideas clearly and help others name their experiences and insights.  They challenge others to think more deeply about perceptions and initial observations.  The wonderful news for anyone who would like to be a small-group facilitator is that these skills can be learned and sharpened with practice…” (p. 9)

Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing some of these skills with you as an invitation to identify and celebrate the gifts and skills you already posses and to continue to deepen them.  Thank you so much for making the task of discussing at times complex and challenging ideas easier for the groups that you facilitate!  Your work is so very important to the Center for Christogenesis and beyond.  You are making a difference in the lives of many who have a hunger for community, belonging, and continued spiritual growth.

At your service,

Emily