THRIVING - Belonging

Sensible Strategies has been replaced with the new Belonging Study. Please review the Belonging Study page for more details. However, if you are interested in what other Belonging Study Group leaders are saying, you are at the right place.

This section of the THRIVE website is devoted to the Belonging Study Guide feedback section. We will post feedback from leaders who have experienced the Belonging study and shared insightful suggestions and ideas that we feel will enhance the Belonging Study for you. This is an additional resource for leaders and interested folks who are thinking of leading a study of their own.

Here is a bit of helpful feedback from one study group leader:

Allotted 13 weeks for study instead of 12. (made the first week a time of introductions, handing out materials, setting the tone, giving out first assignments to be completed before week one)

Introduction Week

Introduced ourselves, (might include possible get to know you activities in Facilitators guide)
Went over timeline and schedule
Spoke on expectations for the study. Asked each person what they wanted to get out of the study. Then we talked about responsibilities. (facilitator’s- be prepared, be on time, facilitate activity and discussion time so as to cover the material while being sensitive to the groups needs and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Participant’s-be on time, commit to attendance, inform facilitator of absences ahead of time, complete the assignments, read the chapter, answer the questions. God’s- lead guide and direct us, reveal spiritual truths, show us our hearts, give you His understanding while working through the material, bring any healing that He may chose, pour out His love through which to build community and belonging.

Belonging Study Group Confidentiality Form- I wrote this up on my own to give a visual reminder to the group that things shared in this study were to remain in this study. The group liked it and said that it helped many of them to be open and honest knowing that what they said wasn’t going to be repeated. We did allow participants to share anything they wanted to about themselves outside the group, but to refrain from quoting others or sharing others stories. Something like this might be an option you might want to make available in the Facilitator guide.

(Suggested) Belonging Study Group Confidentiality Form

I,_________________________, understand, acknowledge, and agree that any personal opinions, testimonies, or other personal information shared during this study may only be discussed, quoted, or repeated during study times with other study participants. My signature below confirms that I understand the in-depth personal nature of this study and value all those who are participating. I understand the importance of partnering with all those involved to create a safe, comfortable environment that offers an open forum for all to share.

X _____________________________________________ Date: _____________

Activities:

We replaced some of the simple quiet with body quieting to give variety. Also, as the weeks went on we used different kinds of music, slow, soft, loud, fast, contemporary, instrumental, etc. Each person could identify different styles that either helped or hindered their ability to quiet. Towards the end we used a CD my husband used for youth group that had different T.V. jingles and theme songs on it. This one was very profound to make the point that watching or listening to TV doesn’t really allow for quieting.

Group relational activity- This is what we did.

Belonging Group Study

Group Satisfaction Activity

Materials:

Sidewalk chalk

Paper slips

2 Small containers

Large flat area of concrete

Activity #1 Building a Person

Prep: Assign enough body parts or accessories to fit the number of people in the group. (example: head, face, torso, arms, legs, hands, feet, clothing, accessories, etc.) Write assignments on paper slips and have them placed in a small container. Block off the height dimension for the person.

Oral Instructions:

We will be working together to draw one person using sidewalk chalk. Each of you will draw a paper slip from the container, which will have a specific body part or accessory for our person. You will have 10 minutes to coordinate yourselves to complete this person. The only stipulations are that you must draw the body part or accessory assigned to you and stay within the predetermined height dimensions.

Activity # 2 Creating a Sunset

Prep: Assign enough land formations or characteristics to fit the number of people in the group. (example: mountain, valley, meadow, tree, river, flowers, clouds, birds, etc.) Write assignments on paper slips and have them placed in a small container. Block off the sunset parameters by presetting the length of the horizon.

Oral Instructions:

We will be working together to draw a sunset using sidewalk chalk. Each of you will draw a paper slip from the container, which will have a specific land formation or characteristic for our sunset. You will have 10 minutes to coordinate yourselves to complete this sunset. The stipulations are that you must commission someone else to draw your land formation or characteristic. Commissioning consists of finding someone to draw your assignment and giving them specific instructions on how, where, and what color to draw it. Each person may only be commissioned to draw one assignment. Also, you must stay within the predetermined horizon dimensions.

Conclude with activity discussion.

What was satisfying to you? How was it different to draw your own assignment vs. having to commission someone else to draw your assignment? How did it feel to give instruction to someone else? How did it feel to receive instructions? How did it feel so see the completed picture? How did it seem knowing that it would take each person’s help to complete the activity? Was your focus more on enjoying the experience with others or trying to make it perfect? What does this say about your heart at the moment?

From a Belonging Group Leader in Arkansas...

Additional Notes:

Facilitator Note: In the current Belonging Study Guide, there is some confusion on Week Two where it says there is no teaching this week. Please note there is still video footage to watch of the skill practice. Eventually we will have more teaching included in this segment.

Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback for us from your experience.
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