Empowering Small Group Leaders: Setting the Right Expectations

The Biblical Foundation of Small Groups

Small groups are not a modern church innovation; they have been part of Christian community since the early church. Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the importance of gathering both in the temple (corporate worship) and in homes (intimate fellowship).

Discipleship doesn’t just happen for an hour on Sunday; it requires ongoing community and accountability. While accepting Jesus is the beginning of our faith journey, spiritual maturity comes through study, discussion, and relationships. Small groups foster growth, encourage vulnerability, and provide a space where believers can challenge and support one another in their walk with Christ.

The Diversity of Small Groups

Small groups can take many forms. They may be activity-based (hiking, knitting, or board games) or focused on spiritual formation (Bible study, book discussions, or support groups). Some groups remain open for new members, while others are full* to cultivate deeper trust and confidentiality. They may run continuously or follow a set schedule like a semester system. Regardless of format, the key purpose of small groups is to be in a community of believers and do life together.

*We use the term full (instead of closed) as it expresses that it has met its size requirements. It feels less like it’s excluding people.

Vetting and Training Small Group Leaders

Small Group Pastors/Directors play a critical role in ensuring that group leaders are well-equipped. Churches should establish clear criteria for leadership, including whether leaders must be church members, complete training, or serve as a co-leader before leading on their own small group. Discuss with your Executive Church Leadership Team on how to strike the right balance between qualifying prospective leaders while not creating too many hurdles in the process.

James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Leadership in small groups carries a weight of responsibility. While perfection isn’t required, leaders should demonstrate faithfulness, humility, and a willingness to be obedient to God’s calling. They should be trained to uphold the church’s standards of excellence (in person and on social platforms).

Leaders should also feel empowered to ask questions, seek guidance, and celebrate ministry wins. A structured feedback process—where leaders receive insights from their group members and leaders can give feedback to their overseeing pastor/director—can help ensure continual growth and improvement across the entire ministry.

The Role of Co-Leaders

No small group leader should lead alone. Jesus sent out the disciples two by two (Mark 6:7), and having a co-leader helps prevent pitfalls like pride and burnout. If a leader is unwell or spiritually depleted, a co-leader can step in. In co-ed groups, having both male and female co-leaders fosters a healthy dynamic and ensures pastoral care for all members. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Best Practices for Small Group Leaders

Effective small group leaders:

• Respect people’s time by starting and ending on schedule.
• Set clear expectations and ground rules for group discussions.
• Provide pre-approved, relevant materials that add value to members’ lives.
• Create a welcoming and safe environment where members feel seen and heard.
• Protect the group from distractions, keeping discussions on track.
• Allow the Holy Spirit to shape lives through prayer and discussion.

*Want to elevate prayer in your small group? Check out 5 different ways to keep your prayer culture strong: Cultivating A Culture Of Prayer In Your Small Group

Preparation is Key

Leaders should prepare spiritually, mentally, and physically:

Spiritually: Daily prayer and Bible study ensure leaders are growing in their own faith. Leaders cannot lead where they haven’t gone themselves.

Mentally: Leaders should familiarize themselves with the material and have a clear plan for each meeting.

Physically: Arriving early, well-rested, and focused ensures a smooth meeting. Leaders should not walk in late with fast food in hand, unprepared for the discussion.

Leaders should also meet before and after group sessions to pray, debrief, and reflect on areas of improvement. Preparation should not replace flexibility. Being prepared does not need to be legalist but give you a framework to guide discussion while also being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

If a leader needs a break for a season of rest, it should be encouraged rather than criticized.

Communication and Leadership Development

Small group leaders should consistently communicate with their group, whether through weekly emails or group messaging. They should identify members’ spiritual gifts and leadership potential, encouraging each person to take their next step in faith.

While church promotion plays a role in small group attendance, personal invitations are the most effective way to grow groups. Many people join small groups because of a direct invitation from someone they know and trust. Leaders should be bold in inviting people to experience community.

Supporting Small Group Leaders

Church leadership should support small group leaders by:

• Giving them the benefit of the doubt if complaints arise; listening to their perspective first before taking action.
• Providing ongoing training and resources.
• Promoting groups on the church website, calendar, and during announcements.
• Encouraging accountability through attendance tracking and follow-ups.
• Fostering community among leaders with appreciation events and support networks.

Handling Challenges

Problems will arise in small groups. Leaders should first pray about challenges and seek guidance from co-leaders before escalating issues to church leadership.

Be Empowered To Lead Well!

Small group leaders are volunteers who sacrifice their time, treasure, and talents to disciple others. They deserve appreciation, encouragement, and continuous support. When leaders are equipped and empowered, small groups become vibrant communities where spiritual growth thrives.

If you need a framework for how to lead a small group, here is a simple outline that can be adjusted and implemented to get you started on how best to use your time: Small Group Framework.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning of a three-part series. In the next installment, we’ll dive deeper into the practical skills and strategies that make small group leadership effective. Stay tuned!