How to run a group
ReFrame is designed for people to raise questions and dialogue about how their faith relates to the complexities of modern life. The leader’s role is to create an environment where people can have honest discussions without feeling pressure to cover all of the material or come up with easy answers. As a leader, you’re not expected to have the answers to every question. The guide provides instructions on how to move through the structure of each session but use your judgment to customize this material for your own context.
Promotional Materials
A series of promotional items are available here to help you share ReFrame with your local church or organization. Some of these materials can be customized to include relevant details for group locations and meeting times. Feel free to print and distribute these materials within your area.
You can download the series trailer by clicking on the links below. Once on the Vimeo page, select the download button beneath the video followed by the desired video file.
Series Trailer: Full Length | Short Version
Leader Tips
- Pray: Pray for your group and your time together.
- Prepare: Get ready for each session by watching the video beforehand and preparing for the activity as necessary. Notes to help you prepare are provided at the beginning of each session.
- Modify: Every group is different. The standard time (two hours) and group size (6-12 participants) are recommendations. Adjust both of these as you see fit.
- Focus: Try to keep the session and discussion tightly focused. Use the recap and intro to focus the group but don’t get stuck here; try to get to the video within the time suggested.
- Conversation: As a leader, facilitating conversation is a big part of your role. You do not have to have all the answers; rather, your task is to help people engage and wrestle with their questions. Life is complex and so is living out God’s story, so try to avoid easy answers.
- Questions: Having honest discussions about difficult questions is an important part of learning in ReFrame. With that in mind, don’t feel pressured to cover all the questions listed for each session. Equally, feel free to follow people’s curiosity and the questions that naturally emerge.
- Listen: Every good conversation involves listening. Guide the discussion and help participants listen well to one another. Remind the participants that they are all encouraged to contribute each week.
- Hospitality: ReFrame tries to follow the natural rhythms of a group: time to gather, connect, discuss, reflect, and take breaks. The typical two-hour model does not include space for a meal, although feel free to provide refreshments. If you wish to share a meal together, set aside additional time.
Leader FAQs
- Who can lead ReFrame?
- With accessible content and an easy-to-understand format, ReFrame is designed for anyone to lead.
- How much preparation is required?
- Leaders should expect to read the leader guide ahead of time each week to become familiar with the various activities and supplies needed for the group. When possible, it will also be helpful for leaders to watch the video ahead of time. On average, it shouldn't take more than one hour of preparation for each week.
- Am I expected to know all of the answers to people's questions?
- Definitely not. The role of the leader is to create a space for conversation and dialogue around the central themes of each session, rather than to have all the answers. Leader guides include tips for effective facilitation, together with specific notes for each session.
- What do I need to run a course?
- ReFrame is designed for groups in churches and communities around the world. All of the content you need is included in the episodes and guides, along with a list of additional supplies for each episode that can help in the learning. The recommended template for your time together takes about two hours, but this can be adjusted to work in your context.
- Where can I learn more about the topics we're covering in each session?
- We've included a short bibliography for each session of ReFrame in both the leader and participant guides. In addition, we've also listed a few more resources under each session on the website in case you'd like to learn more.
- How do I know if ReFrame will work in my context?
- ReFrame has been tested on three continents and in a variety of contexts, so hopefully it should work well in your context. We recommend reading the episode summaries and watching the free episodes on the website to help you better evaluate the course content.
- Who is ReFrame designed for?
- ReFrame is designed for a western audience but it might be useful to others. ReFrame also assumes people have some familiarity with the Bible.
