RH

Resources

Church Leader

We want to prepare you as best as possible.

As a Pain to Purpose group facilitator, you have the unique privilege of coming alongside people on one of the most important, difficult, and rewarding journeys of their lives.

Below is everything you need to equip you to lead – course materials, training, and preparation instructions – as well as access to help if there’s anything we’ve missed.

Course Materials

Each course participant will need a Participant Guidebook, and each facilitator will need a Facilitator Guidebook.

In addition, we offer the Pain to Purpose 42-Day Devotional as a supporting resource. Many use the devotional in their personal Bible study while taking the course or as a next step after completion.

If you need additional course Guidebooks, want to explore bundle options, or purchase copies of the Pain to Purpose Devotional, see links below.

Video Content

Facilitator Training

Hear from Ken Roberts and Amy Sylvestre as they guide you through the ins and outs of facilitating the Pain to Purpose Course.

Supporting Facilitator Content

  • Group Commitment and Standards

    Download a quick reference guide for creating a supportive and safe environment for all participants. Also available on pages XX-XX of your Facilitator Guidebook.

    Download Standards

  • Facilitator Best Practices

    Facilitator best practices are essential for creating an effective and engaging group experience. Use this guidance to help your group thrive in an environment of trust and safety.

    Download Best Practices

  • Participant Referral

    If a participant is facing challenges outside the scope of this course, it is appropriate and necessary to offer a referral to professional or specialized support.

    Download Referral Guidance

  • Sample Emails to Participants

    Communication throughout the course is key to participant success. Keep members engaged, motivated, and supported through email–we’ve created outlines for you!

    Access Sample Emails

  • Facilitator Survey

    Gain insight on how your leadership added value to others, make informed adjustments for leading future groups, and measure course impact through our Facilitator Survey.

    Facilitator Survey

Course Preparation

Step One

Preparing for the Class Launch

    • Ensure you have enough copies of the Facilitator Guidebook for all your facilitators (one copy is provided for you when you sign up for the license).

    • Begin reviewing the Pain to Purpose Course video content.

    • Choose a recurring group meeting day and time.

    • Secure a venue for your sessions.

    • Confirm the availability of tables, chairs, and any audio/visual equipment needed (projector, screen, speakers, etc.).

    • Decide how you’ll manage group sign-ups (digital registration form, church CRM platform, or paper sign-up).

    • Determine how participants will purchase their Participant Guidebooks (bulk pricing available on the Resource Hub).

Space and Experience

Step Two

Preparing the Class Environment

    • Choose a seating layout (tables for writing and discussion or rows for a more lecture-style format).

    • Decide whether to offer food or refreshments weekly or occasionally.

    • Provide any additional supplies (such as pens, notepads, tissues).

    • Determine whether childcare will be offered. We strongly recommend that children are not present during sessions or discussion.

    • Ensure the room is clean, clutter-free, and welcoming.

    • Eliminate any sources of noise or distraction from adjacent areas.

    • Set out Participant Guidebooks and writing materials before participants arrive.

    • Test all A/V components (video playback, sound, connections) several days in advance.

    • Have the Waypoint video cued and ready prior to the session to avoid delays.

    • Consider playing soft worship music as participants arrive to create a peaceful atmosphere.

    • Pray over the room and each seat before every session. Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your group and ask for healing, clarity, and connection.

Weekly Session Format

Step Three

Preparing the Group Discussion

Preparing the Group Discussion

  • Some considerations for your group:

    • This is not a gossip session; we honor each other’s stories.

    • Practice active listening and pause before offering commentary.

    • Speak with encouragement and grace.

    • Maintain confidentiality. What’s shared in the group stays in the group.

    • Be mindful of how much you speak. Make room for others.

    • Begin discussion immediately after the video to maintain emotional momentum.

    • Use provided Waypoint questions as a guide but rephrase in your own words. Avoid reading them verbatim.

    • Follow the 90/10 principle: Listen 90%, Speak 10%.

    • Embrace silence; it allows space for reflection.

    • Gently steer conversation toward the session’s main takeaway, ideally allowing the group to arrive at it naturally.

    • Redirect discussions that become off-topic or emotionally unproductive.

    • Be prepared to address challenging dynamics (e.g., dominating personalities, unsolicited advice, antagonistic behavior) through private follow-up conversations.

    • Ask your pastor for additional counseling resources you can direct people to.

    • We have a partnership with Faithful Counseling (a global online counseling ministry) that may be a great referral resource: www.faithfulcounseling.com/nothingiswasted.

    • Make sure you have discussed with your pastor/leader the protocol if someone mentions harm-oriented behavior like abuse or suicide. Depending on the law and the confession, your church may be held liable for information–be clear on formal processes for the protection of all involved.

    • You can find Referral Guidance in the Facilitator Training section.

Pre-Launch Preparation

  • Total Class Time: ~120 minutes

    • Opening Prayer

    • Review Previous Week’s Action Step (10 minutes)

    • Watch the Waypoint Video (25–50 minutes)

      • For Waypoints 1 & 2, consider pausing midway for reflection

    • Group Discussion (55–75 minutes)

    • Review Weekly Assignment/Action Step (10 minutes)

  • Total Class Time: 60-75 minutes

    • Have Participants watch the Waypoint Video on their own prior to class

    • Opening Prayer

    • Review Previous Week’s Action Step (10 minutes)

    • Group Discussion (55–75 minutes)

    • Review Weekly Assignment/Action Step (10 minutes)

  • Total Class Time: 75-90 minutes

    • Have Participants watch the Waypoint Prework Videos on their own prior to class

    • Opening Prayer

    • Review Previous Week’s Action Step (10 minutes)

    • Watch the Waypoint Group Session Video (15-20 minutes)

    • Group Discussion (55–75 minutes)

    • Review Weekly Assignment/Action Step (10 minutes)

Ongoing Communication

Step Four

Small Group Follow-Up

For participant access to video content after each class, use the link below. Access is granted for 13 weeks:

https://mypaintopurposeplan.memberspace.com/member/plans/77b675499c

    • Send a follow-up email summarizing the session, outlining the weekly assignment, and reminding participants of the next meeting.

      • Templates are available in the Facilitator Training section of the Resource Hub.

    • Send a reminder text or email 1–2 days before the next session.

    • Waypoint videos are available for review during the week using the 13-week participant access link.

Wrapping Up the Course

    • Use Week 12 as a celebration, or add a Week 13 for a dedicated celebration gathering.

    • Invite participants to share reflections, testimonies, and next steps. They are not required to share full Purpose Plans; personal details are best shared privately with a pastor, counselor, or trusted friend.

    • Follow up personally with each participant via email, text, or handwritten note.

    • Encourage participants to:

      • Take the course again for deeper insights.

      • Invite someone to join them in the next round.

    • Stay engaged in the Nothing is Wasted community for continued growth.

Additional participant resources:

  • 3 Free Months of Community+

    Here, you’ll find an ecosystem of live coaching, mini-courses, Masterclasses, bonus podcast episodes, and more to explore within the power of a curated community.

    Never again will you have to say that no one understands what you’re going through. With Community+, we’re bringing you the people who get it and the resources to get through it.

    Use promocode: PTPMEMEBER

    Download Instructions

  • Lifetime Access to the Pain to Purpose Course

    For $99, group members can have evergreen access the Pain to Purpose Course, offering support whenever they need it.

    Use promocode: PTPMEMBER50

    Get Lifetime Access

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