Each cell gathering includes the Word Time.   During this block of time the group generally follows a pre-written discussion guide called the "Word Guide."  This guide takes the topic of the previous week's sermon, using it's key scriptures and principles, as a starting point for the group to discuss their current spiritual journey.  This time is often lead by the cell leader, but can be lead by others as well who are sensitive to the purpose of the time, and group dynamics. 

The Word Time is meant to be:

• Participatory.
• Rooted in scripture, but focused on personal application.
• A time that leads to honest, personal sharing.
• An opportunity to hear God speak to us through scripture and through each other.

The Word Time shouldn't be:

• a teaching time, led by a teacher with all the answers.
• an in-depth bible study or esoteric theological discussion.

Leading the Word Time

Leading the Word Time is not difficult.  You are not expected to have all the "right" answers, or be an expert group facilitator.  But there are a few things that can make everything go more smoothly.

Preparation

• The Sermon - The Word Guide is almost always based on the most recent previous sermon.  If you are leading the Word Guide, make sure to attend worship and pay attention to the sermon the week before.  You might even take a few notes.  This will give you important background and understanding so that you can facilitate the group's conversation well.  If you weren't able to attend, try to listen to the weekly podcast of the sermon.
• Preview the Word Guide - The Word guide is written and posted to the wiki sometime between Saturday and Monday.  You can find it here.  Once it is posted, you can download it and print it off ahead of time.  Read it through to make sure you understand what it is saying.  Make sure the questions make sense to you.  You may find you need to adjust them to be more applicable to your particular cell group.  Thinking through your own answers to the questions will prepare you to smoothly facilitate the groups's conversation.
• Prayer - Make sure to pray for God to have access to your group during this conversation.  God wants to use these conversations in your cell group, so make sure you include Him in your preparation.

Leading

• Reading the Guide - You can read the discussion text on the Word Guide, or you can have someone else do it.  An easy way to "prime the pump" for participation is to have the group go around the circle reading the different paragraphs of the text.  Whoever reads it, make sure it's read clearly and carefully, so everyone can understand.
• Asking the Questions - You or the cell leader ought to ask the questions and guide the discussion that follows.  Read the question clearly.  Rephrase it in a way that makes sense to you.  Then wait.  Don't be afraid of silence.  The group members need a moment or two to collect their thoughts.  After waiting for a few moments, if no one speaks up, engage someone in the group directly by asking, "Mike, how would you respond to that question?"
• Facilitating the Conversation - The questions on the Word Guide are meant to draw the group into conversation, leading to a point where they are talking honestly about a particular area of their lives and what God is doing with them.  The point is not to get every single person to answer every single question around the circle.  Ask the questions and invite people to engage.  Prompt people by asking them directly how they would respond.  If someone remains silent through the discussion, draw them in at some point by noticing their silence.  "Hey Heather, I've noticed you've been pretty quiet through all of this.  What do you think about this question?"
• Taking It Deeper - Remember that the real point of the Word Guide is to get the group to talk about their real spiritual journey - their struggles, their victories, their questions, and their sense of what God is asking of them.  Always gently push in this direction.  If you sense that the answers the group is giving are staying abstract and "theological," prompt the group to go deeper.  Say something like, "We really are having a good time talking about this idea, but I'm wondering what this topic really looks like in our day-to-day lives.  Bill, is this something that you wrestle with?"
• Model Authenticity -  The best way to get the group to go deeper is to go deeper yourself.  If you open up, they are much more likely to do so as well.  if you share your questions and struggles, the group will be much more open to doing so. 

Other Important Things

• Make sure to have enough Word Guides for your group.  Check with your group leader to see if you are responsible to bring them, or if they will be.
• Keep an eye on the time.  It's easy to let the Word Time overflow and leave no time for Witness.  Make sure to be attentive to the clock as you lead.
• Be sensitive to opportunities for ministry.  As people are sharing you may sense that someone needs a little more support or prayer.  Share that you have noticed this, and ask if the person wouldn't mind you stopping to pray for them or support them.  The Holy Spirit may be wanting to do something in that person's life during this group, so be attentive to what is going on.