At the beginning of any Discernment in Common it is crucial to clarify the question, we need to understand the context, review the mission and make sure the issue requires a Discernment in Common.

Once the question/issue is clear, we can decide who should take part in the process. The people will be subject matter experts in that particular matter; they might be Jesuits, Lay, Women, and other religious orders, faith and culture. For some people it could be their first Discernment in Common and before the start, they will need to be taught (briefly 1 hour) the basics of Spiritual Conversation and Personal Freedom. The other exercises outlined in these documents can be performed step by step even for the first time. To get the group going and familiar with Discernment in Common it is suggested to perform an example/mock Discernment for a simple issue (example: where should we go for dinner), this will ensure people know the steps of the process and what awaits them. The group will become more united and comfortable the further they go in the process.

The group role and objectives need to be stated at the beginning, what is expected from the group, what follow up will be required and what involved will be needed.

Before the start of any Discernment in Common the relevant authority needs to be clarified, what is the role of the group and who is going to make the final decision, will the group decided based on consensus or will the person in charge take the group suggestion and then make the final decision. When setting up a group attention needs to be placed in any conflicts that may be present like an employee with his direct superior might not feel free to share what he feels/thinks. If conflicts can’t be avoided, some tools can be used like anonymous feedback templates.