Small Group Leader's study guide for reaching Catholics
and former Catholics

	Please click here to download and print the chapter study guide questions.

This leader's study guide has been designed to help ministers, pastors, teachers and small group leaders aid Catholics and former Catholics who have tough questions about their faith.

DIRECTIONS

1. Introduce yourself to your group.
2. Tell why you’ve chosen to lead this study.
3. Ask the participants to introduce themselves.

Things to Remember:

1. It is important when announcing the start of this study that you have those who sign up for the class read the first two chapters. This will ensure a smooth start to your class. 
2. As the leader, take charge in an inoffensive way. The group is looking to you for leadership.

You may want to experiment with various methods for discussing the study material. One simple approach is to discuss question by question. You can do this by going around the group in order, with the first person giving his/her answer to one question (followed by discussion). The second person answering question two, and so on.

Another discussion method is the section-by-section approach. This can provide more spontaneity. Point out to the group that the chapters in the book are divided into sections. In Section One Searching for Answers, these chapters are “Wow! This Is Different,” and “Disaster Strikes Home.” Start the discussion by asking the group for its impression of the first chapter. Say something like, what impressed you most from this chapter called ‘Wow! This Is Different.

Remember to direct your question to the entire group, rather than to a certain person. For example, someone in the group may say that the most impressive thing in chapter one is, how he /she related so well to the authors first time he attended a new church. A few others may want to comment on this, and you could ask, “How long did it take you to start feeling comfortable?” You can then ask the others what things most impressed them from this first chapter.

NOTE: Use the first part of the class (or shorter time period) to discuss the chapter, then answer the chapter questions. I suggest assigning two chapters per week.  

Preparing for each discussion

Two keys to a more interesting and helpful discussion is making notes as you read the chapter so you can bring them up for discussion, and going over the chapter questions in advance. Each chapter question has blank lines to write down your own answers.

Also included is THINK ON THIS at the end of all but two chapters. These can be used as  discussion questions if time permits. Encourage the group to read them.

Suggestions

Give ample time to advertise and announce the class location, time and dates. Ideally,  those who will be participating would purchase the books as they sign up for the class. 
  
When the participant purchases the book, assign Chapter’s One and Two to be read for your first meeting in class.    

Do not try to do this alone. Take time to pray and ask God to work through you. Pray for your group, asking God to open their hearts giving guidance and courage to each of them   
throughout this study.

As the participants enter the room each week, greet them and ask each to prepare a name tag. Provide markers and materials to make name tags. Make sure you begin the session promptly and end on time.

Explain to the group that they are now in a safe environment. Be confidential. Give  
assurance when the door is closed, anything personal that is shared with the group will stay in the room.

Explain to the participants, that they are not here to degrade anyone’s faith or beliefs.         

 Be yourself. You have accepted this leadership role to help others move forward in their  
relationship with Christ, which can not happen if you are not cordial and friendly.

Clarify that as a group leader you will assist with facilitating group discussions and help  
answer questions.      

When asking a question, be patient. Someone will eventually speak up. Give the group an opportunity to thing about the question. If no one answers encourage and help them along with the answer. Remember, this is a journey and the path can be frightening for some.
                             
Be sensitive to new people or those who may not be willing to participate. Always welcome  newcomers into the class. Once the group gets to know one another and feels comfortable,  more people will open up.
                            
Build friendships. Get to know the people in your group. 

Make sure childcare needs can be met. 

Begin and close in prayer. Lead the group in a time of prayer of commitment to God and to one another. Pray that this will be an opportunity for God to changes lives.