RH

Group Facilitator

Resources

Facilitator Training
Course Preparation

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.

We want to prepare you as best as possible.

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 for ongoing encouragement.

If you need additional course Guidebooks, want to explore bulk and 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.

Download Training Outline

Supporting Facilitator Content

  • Group Commitment and Guidelines

    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 Guidelines

  • 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.

    Download Facilitator Survey

  • Certificate of Completion

    Commemorate completion of the Pain to Purpose course with a special certificate on behalf of Nothing is Wasted, honoring participant commitment to growth and healing.

    Download Certificate

  • "Not the Story You Expected?" Postcard

    Our “Not the Story You Expected” postcard is a great way to advertise the Pain to Purpose course at your church. Simply download and print double-sided.

    Download Postcard

Course Preparation

Step One

Preparing for the Class Launch

Pre-Launch Preparation

  • Click this link for a list of characteristics to look for in the Facilitators you recruit and train to lead group discussions.

    • Along with watching each of these Facilitator Training Videos, have each of your recruited Facilitators watch Training Your Leaders to Walk with Hurting People

    • 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 equipmentneeded (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).

Download the Quick-Start Guide

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.

Space and Experience

Download the Quick-Start Guide

Step Three

Preparing the Group Discussion

Weekly Session Format

  • 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)

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.

    • You can find Group Commitment and Standards in the Supporting Facilitator Content section.

    • 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.

    • You can find Facilitator Best Practices in the Supporting Facilitator Content section.

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

    • 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 Supporting Facilitator Content section.

Download the Quick-Start Guide

Step Four

Small Group Follow-Up

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.

    • Present participants with a Certificate of Completion on behalf of Nothing is Wasted, honoring their individual commitment to growth and healing. Available for download in the Supporting Facilitator Content section.

    • 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.

Ongoing Communication

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

      • Sample emails are available in the Supporting Facilitator Content section.

    • 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.

Download the Quick-Start Guide

For participant access to video content after each class, use the link below. Access is granted for 16 weeks:

https://www.nothingiswasted.com?msopen=/member/plans/77b675499c

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 promo code: PTPMEMBER

    Download Instructions

  • Lifetime Access to the Pain to Purpose Course

    Included in your church-wide license, each group participant enjoys 16-weeks of access to the course material. For just $99, each participant can have lifetime access to the Pain to Purpose Course, providing them support whenever they need it.

    Use promocode: PTPMEMBER50

    Get Lifetime Access

Help + Support

FAQs

  • Download instructions HERE.

    • Go to www.nothingiswasted.com.

    • Click on Member Login.

    • Once logged in, click Account in the top left corner.

    • Click Plans and locate the Community Membership Plan.

    • Click the three dots in the top right corner of the plan, then click Cancel.

  • The participant will need to access the course through the extender link provided to license holders and facilitators.

  • You can direct them to www.nothingiswasted.com/coaching or email us at hello@niwministries.com.

  • Yes! They are provided in the Facilitator Training section above and can also be downloaded here: link > Media page > Discussion PDF

  • We recommend the resources found in the Community+ Library, One-On-One Coaching (Pain to Purpose or Trauma Recovery), the Pain to Purpose 42-Day Devotional, and the Nothing is Wasted book and small group curriculum.

  • Please email us at hello@niwministries.com and we’d be happy to assist or schedule a live support call below.

Schedule a Live Support Call

Need additional support? Schedule a call with one of our Pain to Purpose support team members to discuss facilitating your group.

Schedule Now

Want to become a Certified Coach?

All our coaches are biblically centered, Spirit empowered, and trauma trained–having done their own healing work to help others through theirs.

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Coach, consider step one of our three step process: our Biblical Care Trauma Specialist Course.

Learn More