How to Start a Group

Select the group

A church (or other entity) signs up to host a men’s discussion group (no more than 12 men). Complete the form to the right to begin the process!

Select a Facilitator

The host church or organization selects the group facilitator. He should be someone who is:

• Open minded

• A good communicator

• Is outgoing

• Willing to invest some time (1/2 day) in training (may be waived based on experience)

Facilitator Training

We’ll train the facilitator using Men in Balance’s facilitation techniques. This training can be done in person or via video conference depending on location and logistics.

Get Facilitation Materials

We’ll give you reproducible facilitation materials to stimulate discussion. We’ll provide a hard copy as well as the digital files so that you can print your own.

Schedule the meetings

Meetings are set up (minimum of 6 weeks to ongoing if the group wishes). Participants (and facilitator) should agree to meet at least 6 times, preferably once a week. This gives the group time to establish trust and open up to each other.

Choose a time

This can be decided by the group but probably should be 7-9 PM for the first few meetings (unless the group feels strongly otherwise).

Choose a location

It’s best to be onsite at the church in a meeting room that is private and unlikely to be disturbed. Alternately, the group could choose to meet in someone’s home, but only if total privacy can be assured.

Ongoing

Once established, the group sets its meeting time/place and agrees to abide by its own norms of confidentiality and support (we’ll suggest language you can use).

NOTE: Group members are not expected to provide advice to each other; however, sharing of experiences typically results in gaining new insights.

Get Started

Click the button below to let us know you’re interested in becoming a facilitator.