FACILITATOR TRAINING FOR GUIDING FAMILIES READING GROUPS
RESOURCE: Guiding Families: Fifth Edition (available for purchase here)
DATES: Wednesdays, May 15th - June 19th (6 weeks)
TIME: 5-7pm Pacific | 8-10pm Eastern
LOCATION: Zoom
PRICE: $75 per Individual or Co-Facilitators
REGISTRATION: Open through Monday, May 13th
FACILITATOR TRAINING INFORMATION
A 6-week Facilitator Training meeting weekly on Zoom. The structure of each 2-hour group meeting is both a facilitated discussion based on the content of two chapters from the Guiding Families: Fifth Edition Book and guidance on how to facilitate a non-licensed reading group. Participants will learn a biblically sound, relationally honoring, best-practice care plan for LGBT+ people and their families.
The Facilitator Training will also model how to graciously allow people to learn in real time yet continuously challenge the group to think deeply when discussing LGBT+ topics. The hope is to prepare facilitators with the skills and confidence to help their group change their posture, connect with one another, and expand their circle of support.
WEEK 1
- Preface
- PART 1: Before Coming Out
WEEK 2
- PART 2: Coming Out
- PART 3: Moving Forward
WEEK 3
- PART 4: Finding Refuge as a Parent
- PART 5: Trans Loved Ones
WEEK 4
- PART 6: Beyond Gay & Lesbian
- PART 7: Family Matters
WEEK 5
- PART 8: Beliefs and Theology
- PART 9: Guidance for Pastors
WEEK 6
- Key Terms & End Notes
- Group Recap and Encouragement
GUIDELINES FOR READING GROUP PARTICIPANTS
Requirements
- Participants are required to attend every Facilitator Training Meeting
Similar to the layout of the book, the discussions and training build on previous topics to give us helpful insights on how to guide others in loving LGBT+ individuals well. - Participants are required to have their cameras on during the meeting
Make sure to use a private space during our zoom meetings.
Recording of any zoom session is prohibited.
Be Encouraging and Respect Everyone's Privacy
- We will treat each other with respect and encouragement.
- We will keep others' stories confidential and honor any privacy concerns that our LGBT+ loved ones may have.
- Confidentiality exceptions: threat of harm, self-harm or confessed criminal acts.
Forgive and Aim for Unity
- We aim for unity and are quick to forgive any real or perceived offenses.
- We agree to seek humility and avoid debate on political and theological matters.
- We need to be listener-learners, not teacher-tellers.
Love and Respect our LGBT+ Loved Ones
- We love, honor, and welcome our LGBT+ children (and their partners).
- Parents decide what this looks like for their family - and it may be different from your family.
- We remember that we and each family member are beloved children of our Savior God.
No Counselor Referrals Permitted
- Counselor and physician referrals are never permitted in order to protect Posture Shift Ministries, Inc. from legal liability that could arise from referrals made by group members.
If you have any questions please contact Annie Chang, Director of Guiding Families. (annie@postureshift.com)
