RULES: (What makes the group work?)
One of the key factors to make the group work is the four rules that all group members and the leader follow. These rules help the leader build an environment in which honest sharing and learning will take place. The rules are:
1. BE HONEST OR BE SILENT:
The group will never try to force anyone to share. An individual is always allowed to not answer (say "I pass"). Silence becomes a form of honesty by simply saying I'm not willing to be honest on that, yet. The group is continually challenged to share at more honest levels. Three levels of honesty are talked about. The levels are honest, more honest, and most honest.
2. BE TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL:
Practising confidentiality is the only way anything of importance and honesty can be shared by the group. Sharing things outside the group which are shared within may cause someone to no longer be allowed in the group. Trust is vital.
3. BE COMMITTED TO THE MEETING:
The commitment of the group members to each other will make this a special time each evening.
4. ONE PERSON TALKS AT A TIME.
THE LEADER: (What does the leader do?)
The leader is an equal participant in the group. Members of the group will look to the leader as they decide how honest, vulnerable and open they will be. By example the leader will teach members how to listen and care.
THE LEADER MUST BE:
ADAPTABLE
PRAYERFUL
ENTHUSIASTIC
HONEST
VULNERABLE
CONFIDENT
FLEXIBLE
