Role Purpose

To guide the cohort in prayerful, focused, and collaborative conversation that identifies challenges, discerns faithful responses, and commits to doable actions over the next 3–6 months.

Core Responsibilities

• Spiritual Grounding
  • Open and close each session with prayer or invite a participant to do so.
  • Honor silence as a space for reflection and discernment.
• Group Guidance
  • Ensure all voices are heard and respected.
  • Balance speaking and listening, drawing out quieter participants.
  • Keep the group focused on the cohort’s theme and session goals.
• Process Leadership
  • Guide the group through key tasks: identifying challenges, brainstorming responses, and discerning 1–3 doable collaborative actions.
  • Manage time so that the cohort stays on schedule.
  • Encourage consensus while naming differences honestly.
• Collaboration with Recorder
  • Work with the Recorder to capture challenges, action steps, and commitments.
  • Confirm accuracy of notes before the report is finalized.
• Follow-Through
  • Help the cohort schedule additional meeting times during the gathering.
  • Ensure clear commitments are made for ongoing work after the event.
  • Support the Recorder in preparing the cohort’s 5-minute Friday report.

Qualities of an Effective Facilitator

• Prayerful and grounded in faith.
• Curious and open to diverse perspectives.
• Able to guide discussion without dominating it.
• Attentive to both content (what is said) and process (how the group engages).
• Encourages collaboration, hope, and joy.