This issue is slightly different from most Footsteps issues. Instead of gathering articles from people with experience on different subjects, we are sharing much of the learning Tearfund has gained about facilitation skills. Tearfund began producing PILLARS guides about four years ago to encourage participatory learning. It soon became clear that training and support in facilitation skills helped people gain confidence to make the best use of these books.
Many of the skills needed for facilitation are similar to those we develop as Christians as we grow in love and respect for God and one another. Each person is special in God’s eyes. We are all made in the image of God. We all have unique knowledge, experience and opinions. Good facilitators are interested in listening to the views of other people. They need to show patience and respect as they encourage people who lack confidence or self respect to participate. Good facilitation ultimately leads to empowerment. People gain confidence in their own abilities to change their own situations – and those of their community – for the better. As Christians, we can also gain confidence from our aware-ness of God’s love and interest in our lives and ask for his guidance. Facilitation skills are just as valuable in leading participatory Bible studies.
We want to emphasise the value of teachers. A good teacher has a range of styles and approaches, often using many of the skills needed by facilitators. However, teaching is more about putting ideas into people’s heads; facilitation is about drawing ideas out of people’s heads!
We all have the ability to become good facilitators. We hope this issue will help you to gain confidence and develop your skills in this area.
Isabel Carter