Suggestions for Group Meetings
Leader preparation
- Study the Bible study or discussion questions ahead of time, reading any leader notes provided.
- Pray for God's guidance in your leadership, and for group members.
- Keep it simple - fancy programs are not necessary. Serve simple refreshments if desired.
Group sharing time
- Pray for an atmosphere of caring and freedom to share.
- Take time for informal sharing about nursing related issues and personal concerns (focus on experiences, joys, dilemmas, issues - not gossip). These issues/concerns should be the focus of prayer groups and can be prayed for together at the end of the Bible Study/discussion meetings.
Study/Discussion/Prayer Time
- Introduce the Bible study, Journal of Christian Nursing discussion, or prayer time.
- Pace the meeting so conclusion is reached in the set time frame.
- Allow time for praying together at the end of journal discussions/Bible studies. If the group members are comfortable praying out loud together, they should do so. Or the leader may pray for the group. Try to pray specifically for the topic discussed, and any other concerns expressed.
Follow Up
- Evaluate the group meeting after several times together - for location, materials, time.
- Encourage others to volunteer to lead the group in the future.
- Think of other nurses who might be interested in joining you - divide up the names and invite them to the next meeting.
- Ask God to help the group multiply.
You may also want to...
- Encourage group members to fill out NCF membership forms in order to receive mailings about various NCF activities.
- Take advantage of NCF leadership training, conferences, conventions, seminars and summer camps. A group member who attends these can share with others what he/she has learned.
