Leader’s Guide
Overview
Group studies on Willowing Well are designed to promote an open discussion among group members. Based on the Socratic Seminar, group meetings revolve around a series of thought-provoking questions, designed to get at a deeper understanding of Scripture and to promote the sharing of life and faith among group members.
Study Format
Opening Question: This is a ‘what stood out to you’ type of question, with no right or wrong response. It is designed to be easily answered by everyone in a round-robin format. Each person should be encouraged to share, even if someone’s answer duplicates a previous response. The goal of the opening question is simply to get everyone comfortable speaking in the group.
Core Questions: These are a series of questions that delve progressively deeper into the passage or topic being studied. Participants are encouraged to answer freely, sharing their ideas as they feel led.
Concluding Question: This question is designed to draw the discussion to a close. You can consider it a success if participants seem to leave with more questions than answers.
Note For Leaders
As the leader, your job is to guide a constructive conversation, welcome different points of view, and ensure that all voices are heard.
A few things to keep in mind:
People need time to think — Embrace the awkward pause
Learning comes from the exchange of ideas — Try not to allow one person to dominate the discussion.
A good question is more effective than a good answer — Rephrase or elaborate on the question rather than simply giving the answer.
Additional information about Socratic Seminars can be found at:
https://edulearn2change.com/article-how-use-socratic-seminar/
https://www.katherinecadwell.com/teacher-facilitated-instruction-the-socratic-method
Tree of Life
Week 1: Roots
Opening Question: Variety of possible responses
Core Question 1: Fruit-bearing trees; Adam & Eve can eat from any tree including the Tree of Life; Adam & Eve are told not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
Core Question 2: Realize they are naked, Hide from God, Blame each other; Barred from the Garden; Adam will work hard, Eve will have painful childbirth
Core Question 3: God can’t be trusted (He is withholding something from Adam and Eve); God is someone to be afraid of and hide from; Adam & Eve no longer believe they are loved; Adam & Eve begin judging & blaming each other
Concluding Question: Variety of possible responses to these ‘what if’ scenarios
Following Jesus: Stories of His birth; Excited angelic birth announcement to the shepherds; Wisemen with costly gifts, God thwarting King Herod’s attempt to kill Him, etc.
Week 2: Trunk
Opening Question: Variety of possible responses
Core Question 1: God hasn’t made the expected choice; God has chosen David, the overlooked son
Core Question 2: Afraid or confused because of God’s instructions (Samuel); Passed over or not enough (Older Brothers); Overwhelmed by God’s call (David), etc.
Core Question 3: God can be trusted, even when it doesn’t make sense; God is in control; Samuel is the servant of God; Samuel is protected from harm
Concluding Question: Spending time with God; Having experienced God’s presence and power in His life; Fruits of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control)
Following Jesus: Loved independent of his works (Comes before he does any miracles or preaching); Able to be who He is and do the work He was sent to do; Didn’t need approval from other people because He had it from God; Knows the truth of His identity; Satan can’t plant doubts about God’s love and His identity as God’s son
Week 3: Bark
Opening Question: Variety of possible responses
Core Question 1: High rank in army; Subordinates like serving under him; Jonathan’s friendship; Defeat of the Philistines; Welcomed home with celebration
Core Question 2: Saul gets jealous and angry with David, but he could have seen David’s success as personal blessing (Defeat of Enemy, Protection, Effective & Well-liked Subordinate)
Core Question 3: Doesn’t seem to recognize God as in control; Doesn’t trust in his anointed role as king
Concluding Question: Variety of possible responses to these ‘what if’ scenarios
Following Jesus: Hunger, Power, & Fame; Show His power, perform miracles, be a political messiah saving a few people immediately rather than all people later
Week 4: Branches
Opening Question: Variety of possible responses
Core Question 1: Rest in green pastures, Refreshment by still waters, paths of righteousness, guidance and comfort, anointing, cup running over, ability to dwell in the house of the Lord
Core Question 2: Sheep - Food, Curiosity, Wanderlust, etc.; Us - Wealth, Fame, Busyness, Bad Influence, etc.
Core Question 3: Resting & stillness when we’re so busy; Being unafraid of the valley of death; Considering the rod (discipline) as comforting; Sitting down at a table with enemies
Concluding Question: Variety of possible responses based on personal life experiences
Following Jesus: Sorrow to the point of death; Anguished prayer; Sweating blood; Angels ministering to Him; Going back repeatedly to see the disciples as a reminder of why
Week 5: Leaves & Fruit
Opening Question: Variety of possible responses
Core Question 1: Saul’s soldiers all fall asleep around him, leaving him vulnerable to attack; David doesn’t kill King Saul; Saul’s words of blessing over David
Core Question 2: David & his men experience more exile; Have to ally themselves with the Philistines; Models what it means to honor God’s anointed; Brings about a relatively peaceful transfer of power in the future
Core Question 3: Saul entered quickly and easily onto the throne, while David goes through a long period of difficulty; But he learns to lead, learns lessons from Saul’s reign; Leans heavily on God’s guidance and protection
Concluding Question: Variety of possible responses based on personal life experiences
Following Jesus: Rejection, Betrayal, Injustice, Shame, Torture, Death, Forsakenness; Redemption, Overcoming Death