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To Be or Not to Be... A Small Group Leader

July 19, 2017

Are you interested in Small Group ministry, but would like to know more about its purpose and how to be a good leader? Read on for an outline of the who, what, and why for starting a small group!
  1. Why Small Groups?  Because Life IS Better Connected!
    • God created us to be in relationship with one and other.
    • Small group provides an environment where life change can occur.
    • Small group is a safe place for fellowship, prayer, studying God’s Word, and accountability.
    • Small group helps us grow our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
    • Being in community on a small scale provides comfort on the larger, corporate scale.
  1. Why YOU should consider hosting or leading a small group
    • 1 Corinthians 3:6 says some will plant seeds, others will water, but God makes the seeds grow.  Churches NEED more people to plant and water.
    • Hosting or leading a small group gives you the privilege of serving the church and the members in your group in a meaningful way.
    • The rewards of leading a small group are great!
  1. Understanding your role as a small group leader – what qualities are needed?
    • The small group leader’s role is to provide vision, to direct, and to support the group.
    • We encourage growth in 3 areas:
      1. Growth with God
      2. Growth in our community with other believers
      3. Growth in our influence on others
    • The small group leader must have a desire to be in community.
    • He/She must be in a personal relationship with Christ.
    • The small group leader should believe that the Bible is our final authority in faith.
    • The leader should have the time, emotional capacity, and the moral discernment to lead.
  1. What are the expectations of a Small Group Leader?
    • Facilitate – don’t teach….monitor and promote participation with your members.
    • Commit to your growth as a small group leader – read blogs, listen to podcasts, subscribe to newsletters that speak to small group development.
    • Identify an apprentice or “helper” to lead with you – this is key to staying fresh. Have your helper take on administrative tasks, take turns hosting, and share in facilitating.
  1. Getting Started!
    • Recruiting members – promote through the church and through personal connections.
    • Establish location – keep in mind that location can be SO important.
    • Establish day & time.
    • What is the overlying theme of the group – if any?
    • Discuss group covenant – confidential, commitment to attending regularly, term of the group etc.
View a video of a 40-minute webinar presenting this information below: