The facilitator should not voice any of his or her own opinions or comments, but encourage the freedom of various other perspectives. This is the part of the exercise that will require the most from the facilitator. The aim is to reflect on the perspectives heard from other participants. This time is for the larger group to reflect on some of the statements that were made during The Spiral. Thus people spiral in and out of the circle.Īfter approximately 20-30 minutes of using the spiral in this method, the facilitator could allow a little more dialogue back and forth by allowing participants in the circle to stay until after they have spoken twice. Once people leave their seats, the seats within the circle are open for someone else to take. Individuals may return to their seats after the person on the left has completed speaking. Once the individual has completed speaking, he or she passes the talking stick to the person on the left. Once the circle is full, one of the participants may use the talking stick to speak. After a time of prayer or silence, invite whoever would like to enter the circle to do so. Allow participants to sit anywhere except the circle. It is a good idea to include other symbols as well (candles, altar, etc.). Include a cross or some other symbol to serve as a talking stick within the circle. In the room, place six chairs in a circle. If needed, ask speakers to use a microphone so that all can hear. This style of group dialogue allows participants to voice their perspectives freely. (2) It will help counterbalance any ideas that might provoke or derail the conversation, since participants have had a chance to calmly consider their positions previously.) (The purpose of this exercise is at least twofold: (1) It gives participants a chance to write out and reflect on their beliefs. Give participants 5-10 minutes to write down biblical stories, passages, doctrine, facts, and other opinions that support their ideas about gun control. Make sure each person has a piece of paper and pencil for this exercise.

Remind the participants that this is a time of naming and listening, not for discussion – that will come later. Allow each participant no more than two minutes to name questions, fears, or hesitancies about the topic. Reinforce that this space is a safe place for people to freely express their opinions and perspectives.įorm people into small groups, with a maximum of three people to a group. Point out and read the conversation guidelines. Give an overview of the main topic of discussion. Have a copy of the prayer for everyone to follow along or participate in the prayer. This time of silence is important to center the group and mark the space and time as unique.

Personal Assessment of the Situation (10 minutes)īegin with silence and/or the lighting of a candle to represent God’s presence.

The following is based on a 90-minute timeframe.

Microphone - to enable all to hear the speaker(s) clearly.

Bell or chime for beginning and ending times of silence.Printout or screen for displaying Guidelines.Small cross or some other marker to serve as a talking stick.Place Guidelines for the Conversation around the room in large print or on a projection screen (For samples of Guidelines see this link).Set up the room with a small circle of chairs (4-8).

Courageous conversations exercises