Becoming a Facilitator

For the first time, our new format is mobile, making it possible for YOU to lead a SoCal SSM group in your home, church, or organization - virtually any location, any time! Whether you've been part of one of our SSM schools in the past or new to SSM, this is best time ever to take (and lead!) the journey!

As a Facilitator, you will play such a valuable role in helping your group have a transformational experience in SSM.

Here are the steps you'll take as you get ready:

#0 Before you apply

Before applying to be a Facilitator, it is a good idea to consider whether you'd have a group of people that might be interested in doing a small group. Though it's not required, we have found that groups who already do life or ministry together in some capacity make a fairly smooth transition into using our program.

Before applying to be a Facilitator, we would also like you to ask your pastors or leaders how they feel about you leading an SSM group at your church or organization. We'd like you to receive their permission, especially if it will be within the context of the church or ministry. We deeply value a culture of honor at SoCal SSM, so it's important that you have the blessing of your leaders.

#1 Apply to be a facilitator

Once you know you're ready to lead a group, we ask that you apply to be a Facilitator through our website (here). Even if you don't have a full group yet, we want to make sure you has the support you need as you move forward in the process.

#2 Complete an interview

After you apply, you'll have an interview with one of our team members to get to know you, answer questions, and walk you through the process.

#3 Build your small group

Find the people who are interested in doing a small group using the SoCal SSM curriculum and in joining a group you will lead. You can use our website, socalssm.com, to share about the program. Also begin talking to leaders in your church or ministry context about helping you generate interest in the Satellite SoCal SSM group you'll be hosting and leading.

#4 Meet your mentor

Once approved as a facilitator, we will assign to you a SoCal SSM mentor. Your mentor will walk with you through the process of getting yourself and the students started. They will go through the Facilitator guide with you, as well as the facilitator edition of the student workbook and the Abundant book (once you order and receive them). 

They will make sure you are well-informed before your first family group, as you are the one who will guide the students and answer their questions. Your mentor will be your ongoing point of connection and support throughout the program, checking in with you weekly.

#5 Register as a facilitator or facilitator-student.

     a. If you haven’t completed SoCal SSM as a student, you will participate as both a facilitator and a student. Ask your SSM mentor for the facilitator-student discount code.

     b. If you have completed the year of SoCal SSM you are planning to facilitate, work with your mentor to receive the facilitator edition of the student workbook (free) and access to the digital curriculum content.

#6 Find a co-facilitator.

If you don’t have someone to facilitate with you, we highly recommend that you find someone in the group who can lead when you are not available. Your co-facilitator should also go through all the above steps on this page.

Before your first group meeting, you'll need to:

1. Set expectations for how you and your co-facilitator will work as a team.
2. Set a time well before family group to discuss the meeting and pray for the students. This will prepare you for the moving and prompting of the Holy Spirit in your meetings.
3. Discuss your gifts, strengths and weaknesses. Strategize how to maximize each of your strengths and cover for each other’s weaknesses.
4. If you have never worked together, take time to develop your relationship with each other. Your best teamwork will come when you’ve built trust between yourselves.

#7 Listen to Supernatural Foundations

This is a free course led by some of our instructors and leaders on our core values. You can find more information about that course here and start any time you are are ready.