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ABEL

45-Minute Workshop Facilitator Guide

A complete script and resource packet for leading your team through the ABEL framework

45
Minutes
5-20
Participants
7
Sections
4
ABEL Phases

Materials Checklist

Handouts

  • Participant packets (one per person + extras)
  • Contact cards for follow-up
  • Feedback forms (optional)

Supplies

  • Pens or pencils
  • Name tags
  • Markers (multiple colors)

Visual Aids

  • Whiteboard, flip chart, or large paper
  • ABEL logo visual (poster or slide)

Equipment

  • Timer or phone for time-keeping
  • Soft chime or bell for transitions

Workshop Agenda & Script

What to Say
Welcome everyone! Thank you for taking time to invest in our ministry's growth. Before we begin, let's center ourselves with a brief prayer, asking God to guide our conversation and open our hearts to His direction. [Lead opening prayer or invite a participant] Today we'll walk through the ABEL framework together—a practical tool for navigating change in ministry while keeping our mission at the center.
Facilitator Tips
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up materials and greet participants
  • Have name tags ready if participants don't know each other well
  • Consider playing soft worship music as people arrive
Materials Needed
Name tagsParticipant packetsPens/pencilsWhiteboard or flip chart

Facilitation Best Practices

Before the Session

  • • Pray for each participant by name if possible
  • • Review the entire guide at least twice
  • • Practice transitions between sections out loud
  • • Arrive 15 minutes early to set up
  • • Test any technology you'll use
  • • Arrange seating to encourage interaction (circles or small clusters)

During the Session

  • • Keep energy up with your voice and movement
  • • Use participants' names when possible
  • • Watch the time—it's okay to adjust, but don't skip the commitment section
  • • If a discussion goes long, gently redirect: 'Great point—let's capture that and keep moving'
  • • Validate contributions even when redirecting
  • • Leave space for the Holy Spirit—don't fill every silence

After the Session

  • • Send a follow-up email within 24 hours
  • • Include key takeaways and any 'parking lot' items
  • • Schedule accountability check-ins
  • • Gather feedback and improve for next time
  • • Celebrate wins—even small ones

Handling Challenges

Difficult Situations

Dominant talker:"Thank you, [name]. Let's hear from someone who hasn't shared yet."
Silent group:"Start with pairs before full-group discussion"
Conflict emerges:"I hear different perspectives. Let's note both and continue."
Off-topic tangent:"That's important. Can we put that in our parking lot for later?"
Emotional moment:"Give space. 'Thank you for sharing that. Would you like us to pray with you?'"

Common Challenges

1

The group is larger than expected

Focus on pair discussions rather than full-group sharing. Use a 'popcorn' style where people share briefly without going around the room.

2

Running behind on time

Protect the commitment section—cut discussion time if needed, but always end with action. Say: 'We have great energy here. Let's capture one action each and schedule a follow-up.'

3

One person dominates

Use structured activities: 'Everyone write for 2 minutes, then we'll hear from three people we haven't heard from yet.'

4

The group seems disengaged

Get people moving. Literally. 'Stand up and find someone you haven't talked to today.' Physical movement resets energy and focus quickly.

5

Emotional moment arises

Give space. 'Thank you for sharing that. Would you like us to pray with you?' Ministry work touches real pain—this is a sacred moment, not a disruption.

Quick Reference: The ABEL Phases

A

Assess & Align

Where are we? Who's with us?

B

Blueprint & Build

What's the plan? What do we need?

E

Execute & Enable

Who does what? How do we support?

L

Learn & Lead

What worked? How do we share?