Become a Small Group Leader

Sharing the Gospel is about making relationships.  Where else can this be done better than in a small group environment?  At their best, small groups will create strong relationships, allow open communication, dig deep into scripture, create an easy access point to personal ministry, and minister to the needs of its members.  Though incomplete here are a few qualities of an effective small group leader. 

Loving: Some other things can be taught, but love will come from the heart.  As Jesus was a shepherd who loved his flock, so will the leader care for those in their group.  A desire to see their group grow in knowledge, size and ability will spur them through their efforts.

Knowledgeable/Studious: No one will know the entire Bible by memory, but a group is established as a way to engage believers in Bible study.  A group will always find ways to challenge their leaders, so the leader must be willing to study and be prepared for the meeting.  Most study materials printed today provide various methods of teaching and studying.  They are great helps if you will read and prepare.

Available/Willing:  Though many groups will meet for an hour or more, it could also be that a group will meet during a lunch break daily/weekly.  The leader must be available for questioning and calls if the group has a need.  Needs will come in waves, and different individuals have different needs.  There will come a time when your individual pursuits will clash with a need of the group, and a great leader will serve their group when in their ability.    

Committed to the Bible:  A small group tends to drift away from study of the Bible and into a social group only.  The Bible is the reason you formed the group, and the source of all your teaching.  A purpose should be formed for each meeting, a certain scripture/concept to teach.  The purpose should be something you yearn to share with the group, like Jeremiah had a fire in his bones.  It could come from the weekly worship sermon, study materials; but should always involve personal study.  Then the leader must remember that there is a time for both study and relationship building.  Often they will feed off each other.  The discussions will lead into the Bible study, and the scriptures will spur conversations about life.  Create the relationship for the purpose of sharing the scripture and let that lead you in creating disciples. 

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20