Join a SHARE Group

Join a SHARE Group – What to Expect in a Session

SHARE = Sharing Honestly and Responding Empathically
A SHARE Group is designed to be short, simple, and safe. Each meeting follows a clear rhythm so everyone can feel comfortable participating.
1. Welcome (5 minutes)
  • The facilitator will greet everyone and explain the purpose of the SHARE Group.
  • Introductions may be done if people don’t know each other.
  • Ground rules are set: confidentiality, respect, listening without judgment.
👉 What to do as a participant:
  • Relax, introduce yourself, and remember this is a safe space.
2. Opening Prayer (2 minutes)
  • The group begins with a short prayer asking God to guide the conversation.
👉 What to do as a participant:
  • Simply join in by listening or agreeing silently, or pray along if you’d like.
3. Sharing Time (15–30 minutes)
This is the heart of the SHARE Group. Everyone is invited—but not forced—to share.
The group follows the SHARE pattern:
  • S – Sharing Honestly – Speak openly about your thoughts and feelings.
  • H – Heart Listening – Pay full attention when others speak.
  • A – Ask Gently – If you want, you may ask thoughtful questions to understand better.
  • R – Respond with Empathy – Show kindness and understanding, not judgment.
  • E – Encourage in Christ – Offer words of hope and faith.
👉 What to do as a participant:
  • Share honestly, but only as much as you are comfortable.
  • Listen respectfully when others are speaking.
  • Encourage others with empathy and kindness.
4. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
  • Everyone may share one “takeaway” from the discussion (a thought, feeling, or insight).
  • The facilitator may summarize the highlights of what was shared.
👉 What to do as a participant:
  • Share your takeaway if you’d like, or simply listen to others.
5. Closing Prayer (3 minutes)
  • The facilitator or group will end with prayer, lifting up what was shared to God.
👉 What to do as a participant:
  • Pray silently, listen, or join in if you feel led.
Key Reminders for Participants
  • SHARE Groups are short-term—they last only for the event or Bible study series.
  • Confidentiality is important—what is shared in the group stays in the group.
  • You don’t need to have the “right answers.” Just be honest and present.
  • Your role is to both share and listen with empathy.