Your large group meeting needs to be set up differently for different types of meetings. Here are four basic designs and a description of how each can serve your purpose. Select a classroom setup which best meets the purposes of the meeting.
Classroom Style:
Useful for lecture, visual presentation, some dramatic presentations, formal debate, panel discussion, etc.
Disadvantages: formal atmosphere, group members cannot easily see or hear each other, little sense of cohesiveness, discourages participation. A practical advantage is that you can provide more seating for a large group. |
Semi-circle:
This has the advantage of more visual contact with other group members. It encourages discussion in a more informal atmosphere. The leaders also have clooser visual contact with group members. This can be useful for large group discussion, informal drama presentations, group singing, interviews, dialogue teaching, or any format where informality and discussion is a value. |
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Full Circle:
The obvious advantage is that everyone can see everyone. There is a strong sense of unity. This may be threatening to some (no one can hide). this may also be an impossible arrangement for very large groups. This set-up can be useful for informal meetings where group participation is essential to the success of the meeting. A disadvantage is that the leader has difficulty having visual contact with everyone (swivel-head syndrome) and use of visuals is difficult. |
Learning Centers:
People are encouraged to move about the room (either randomly or an orderly rotation) to visit various table-stations. The stations contain information or presentations on particular topics. This can be a useful set-up for a Mini-Missions Concert (each station can represent a part of the world or a missions opportunity). Another possibility is an Evangelism Resource Fair where each station provides materials or training in various aspects of evangelism. The whole group can be gathered in the center to sit on the floor for instructions. |
