Do create a conversational environment
Strive to create a conversational environment where your athletes discover Biblical truth. Allow multiple people to respond. This is not a time to line them up against the wall and preach at them.
Don’t be afraid of silence
Let the people sit for a moment and think.
Do value input
Do whatever it takes to affirm people’s comments, but do not be artificial with your praise. Be delicate with answers that are clearly wrong (you probably don’t want to point and laugh). Do not feel like you have to finish, complete, or correct an answer, unless the comments could be destructive to the faith.
Don’t feel like you have to know all the answers
We are human, and it’s good for your group to see that you are limited.
Don’t read questions off any guide you’re using
Understand the questions and be prepared to ask them in your own terms. Feel free to generate your own questions during your preparation AND even “on the spot.”
Do clarify some responses to your questions
If a person’s answer or comment is long-winded or unclear, repeat it back (summarize it) for clarity. This proves you are listening and it keeps the attention of the rest of the group.
Don’t move to a new question too quickly
After a person answers a question, ask, “Would anyone like to add to that?” or “Does everyone agree/disagree with that?”
Do keep the group focused and on purpose
Don’t go down a rabbit trail and leave the topics and/or Scripture passages unless something “big” that comes up (e.g., a family crisis). Be sensitive to the Spirit (but that’s not an excuse to be lazy and let the group wander). Wandering is easy, being a leader isn’t!