Fr David McCallum, SJ, a Jesuit priest and executive director of the Discerning Leadership Program in Rome, presents an insightful overview of group dynamics within communal discernment processes. He emphasizes that communal discernment requires managing groups effectively through facilitation and occasional leadership.

A critical early step is group formation, where members come together, build trust, and establish shared goals. This phase includes breaking the ice, setting ground rules, and clarifying expectations, enabling the group to move beyond superficial interaction to deeper collaborative work. The group then typically experiences a “storming” phase characterized by conflict and tension, which a skilled facilitator must navigate to help the group appreciate diverse perspectives and maintain hope for a shared future.

Following storming, the group develops norms that contain tensions and foster productive collaboration, especially when balancing local and global priorities. The facilitator then gradually steps back, allowing the group to engage in prayer, data analysis, planning, and accountability. Another crucial aspect of group dynamics involves managing authority and roles amid diverse participants. Drawing from group relations theory, Father McCallum introduces the acronym BART – Boundaries, Authority, Roles, and Tasks – to help facilitators maintain psychological security and clarity within the group. Boundaries define timelines and resources; authority balances leadership and participation with an emphasis on discerning God’s guidance; roles clarify responsibilities; and tasks focus on concrete actions to implement decisions. Throughout, special attention is given to inclusive participation, especially of marginalized voices. This foundational knowledge is vital for anyone leading communal discernment processes.