Iron Rose Sister Ministries

As we conclude this mini-series on Small Groups during our month-long discussion of Transformation and Community, I want to offer some of the specific HOWs, as specifically shared in the IRSM Small Group Bible study books.
If you are interested in starting a small group using an IRSM interactive Bible study, specially designed to be done in small groups, you can order books through our website, or contact us by phone or email (see our Contact page on the website).
Suggestions for HOW to realize an IRSM small group study:
• Rotate the leading of the discussion among each of the women.
o Everyone can lead!
o Everyone will grow!
• Commit to reading the chapter ahead of time.
o The discussion will be richer and deeper if everyone comes prepared.
o How much you put in will be directly proportional to how much you get out.
o You will need to do these studies with your favorite Bible in hand.
And a few more specific suggestions if you are the one leading the group discussion that week:
• Make it your own and allow the Spirit to lead—these studies are a resource, not a script.
o Select which questions you would like to discuss and plan for ones you might need to skip if you are running short on time.
o You are welcome to add questions of your own or highlight portions of the chapter that most stood out to you, whether they were designated for discussion or not.
• Leading is about facilitating the discussion, not about having all the answers.
o When someone brings up a difficult situation or challenging question, you can always open it up to the group for answers from Scripture, not just personal advice.
o The answer may merit further study of Scripture or the consultation of someone with more experience in the Word and/or experience regarding that type of situation. And that’s okay! We’re digging deeper.
• Be willing to answer the designated discussion questions first and use your own examples, but avoid the temptation to do all the talking.
o Allow for awkward silence in order to provide the opportunity for others to share.
o It’s okay to call on someone and encourage them to answer a specific question.
o “Why or why not?” are good follow-up questions for discussion.
• Include additional examples from Scripture and encourage others to do the same.
o Online Bible programs, such as BibleGateway.com, provide excellent resources: multiple versions of the Bible, concordances (to look up the occurrences of a word), Bible dictionaries, and commentaries.
• Give a practical wrap-up conclusion or “take-home” application from the week as you close with the Common Threads.
• Be sure to budget some time for prayer.
• Remember our purposes as Iron Rose Sisters, students of the Word and daughters of the King.
Do you have any other suggestions for women meeting in small groups?