Keeping Discussion Focused

One of the most important elements to a successful crew gathering is conversation moderation.

Keeping the discussion time focused is essential to the health of the overall experience. Because we meet on a weekly basis and form authentic relationships, it can become easy to get carried away in conversations that do not pertain to the topic of discussion.

Here’s Why It’s Important to Keep An Eye on the Time.

  • It’s important to stick to the expectations you set in the beginning of the season

  • It allows for attendees to engage fully in conversation without feeling disconnected 

  • It encourages attendance because attendees know what to expect. 

Tips to Stay On Track

  • Let everyone know why it’s important and set clear expectations 

  • When conversations start to deviate from the point, gently bring it back One way you can steer the conversation back on topic is by suggesting to talk one on one with the person taking everyone off topic after crew time ends.

  • Foster relationships via chat platforms like GroupMe or Messenger so that members don’t feel the need to “catch up” every meeting

  • Spend time meeting for coffee or lunch as a group or individually to get to know each other outside of the crew meeting

Following the Spirit and Staying on Point

Some of you may be thinking, But what happens if I feel led by the Spirit to stay on a certain topic and it may keep us overtime? That’s going to happen and it’s perfectly fine! In fact, some of the greatest crew gatherings are when things go a little off script. Let your crew members know that this may be a later gathering (maybe 10-20 minutes longer) but that if they need to leave at the usual end time, that it’s perfectly okay! 

The point is to create a space for enrichment and to allow your members the opportunity to go deep with the Word and to promote the practice of building their relationship with God, so above all, it’s important to lead with that in mind.  In conclusion, keeping the conversation time focused is a key component of healthy crews, but remember to be intentional about letting the Holy Spirit lead you every step of the way. 

 
Articles, Crew - How tosD'Andre Thomasarticles, Discussion Tips