Take a look at the five personalities that bog down a small group and see how you can keep discussion clipping along.

Nothing bogs down a great discussion like a know-it-all or an over-the-top needy person. They have legitimate needs and a legitimate place in your group. But it's not right to allow them to ruin the experience for everyone else. The leader is responsible to keep the whole group in mind. Sometimes that means stopping everything and focusing on one person. Most of the time, it means to keep things moving and finding ways for everyone to contribute and participate.

Every group is bound to encounter distractions as it tries to grow closer to one another and Jesus. The most serious detractions often come from within the group itself. People don't intentionally derail the discussions. But without an artful facilitator, the following personalities can bring the dynamics of any small group to a grinding halt:

Dominators have an answer for every question and every answer seems to go on forever. Dominators are often very knowledgeable and are usually very kind-hearted. They just don't always have the social skills needed to help you keep things on track.

The secret to dealing with dominators is to remember that the group is usually desperate for the facilitator to do something. You should begin by working to draw others out. Look for a quick breath, no matter how short, to jump in and allow others to contribute. Some dominators are able to talk for long periods of time without breathing at all. Or perhaps they've mastered the ability to speak while inhaling as well as exhaling. You must have the courage to help the dominator wrap things up. One of the best methods is to simply finish the dominator's thoughts for him or her then quickly allow someone else to speak.

Dominators are not the enemy. In fact, dominators will certainly bring profound points to the conversation. Turn dominators into allies by talking to them after the get-together. Compliment the dominators quick thinking and openness, explain the goals for drawing everyone into the discussion, and ask the dominators to help draw out everyone during future discussions.

Hiders are easy to ignore because they never bother the other group members. In fact, they've become experts at being ignored and missed. Hiders need very gentle coaching and encouragement to start allowing others to know them. Most hiders feel afraid of speaking in front of groups; so help them start breaking the ice by sharing in pairs. Mix the pairs up, so the hiders have a chance to get to know everyone in the group. Remind the group often that the group needs everyone's contribution if you're group is going to grow.

Scoffers have the greatest potential to decimate a small group. Criticism is contagious and it can paralyze an inexperienced facilitator. The secret to dealing with scoffers is to remember that their bark is always worse than their bite. Some scoffers are in such a habit of being negative; they criticize things they actually enjoy. Remember that the complaints of the scoffer are usually more about their own perceptions and hurts than the events they are critiquing. Don't ever let a scoffer derail an activity and never take the complaints personally.

Humor is a great tool for reaching scoffers because it diffuses the power of their complaints. For example, if a scoffer complains that he or she is sick of pair shares, a skilled facilitator might say something like, "We're doing it anyway. So get ready. For an extra treat, you can be my partner." With consistent care and nudging, a scoffer can actually become an excited and motivated group participant. Caustic and consistent scoffing may require conversations outside of the normal get-togethers. If this approach is necessary, have an honest conversation with the scoffer that helps him or her see the effects of the negative comments and how they interrupt your efforts for the group.

Revealers have a tough time knowing how much information is too much information. Revealers often bring details to their stories that leave group members feeling embarrassed or unsure of how they should respond. The secret to facilitating with revealers is to help them find the proper context for the things they'd like to share. You could respond to a revealer's disclosure by saying something like, "That must have been very painful for you. That's the kind of thing we should discuss one-on-one. Let's talk after the get-together so I can pray for you." Known for being needy, revealers work best with facilitators who are very direct and very gentle at the same time.

Problem solvers have a tough time seeing others in pain or confusion. With great intentions, the problem solver tries to fix other group members often offering pat answers and solutions. Remind your group that each friend is in the process of discovery and needs time to work out his or her questions.

If a problem solver gives a pat answer to a group member that is received as judgmental or insensitive, don't panic. Quickly respond by showing empathy for the person with the problem or question. You might say, "I'm sorry you're going through that. Keep sharing and struggling forward. We'll do our best to support you along the way." If a problem solver doesn't seem to catch your hints and redirection, talk to him or her after a get-together. Tell the problem solver that you appreciate his or her wisdom. Then remind the problem solver that you want everyone to have the freedom to talk, discover, and even struggle through things.