Leading Small Groups With Purpose: A Practical Framework

Small Group Planning Guide

This guide is designed to help you prepare, lead, and reflect on your small group meetings effectively. Thoughtful preparation and intentional leadership create a welcoming and impactful environment for spiritual growth. 

Preparation Time 

1. Huddle and Pray (30 minutes before group starts) 

• Gather with your co-leaders to review the flow of the meeting and assign any roles. 

• Pray for the group, asking God to guide the discussion and open people’s hearts. 

2. Set the Environment (15 minutes before group starts) 

• Prepare the meeting space—arrange chairs, set up any materials, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

• Be ready to greet and welcome each person as they arrive. 

Group Time (1-Hour Template) 

1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 minutes) 

• Thank everyone for coming and provide a warm, inviting start to the meeting. 

• Give people a chance to introduce themselves. 

• Use a fun or thought-provoking icebreaker question to help everyone feel comfortable. 

2. Set Expectations (5 minutes) 

• Briefly summarize the purpose of the group and what participants can expect moving forward. 

• Reiterate any group guidelines, such as confidentiality and respect. 

• Set the tone for a safe and open environment. 

3. Topic: Lesson/Teaching/Video (10 minutes) 

• Introduce the topic for discussion, whether it’s a Bible passage, book study, sermon reflection, or another resource. 

• If using a video or teaching segment, play it during this time. 

• Summarize key takeaways to help frame the discussion. 

4. Discussion (30 minutes) 

Encourage conversation using open-ended questions: 

• Who…? 

• What…? 

• When was a time…? 

• How did that make you feel…? 

❌ Avoid "why" questions, as they can feel confrontational and lead to rationalization rather than reflection. 

💡 Your role as a leader is to facilitate discussion, not dominate it. Encourage participation and be comfortable with silence as people process their thoughts. 

5. Prayer & Logistics (5 minutes) 

• Close the meeting with prayer. Take prayer requests, pair off, or pray as a group. 

• Share any next steps or important announcements. 

• Encourage everyone to return and continue building community together. 

• End with a warm send-off: “See you next week!” 

Recap & Cleanup 

1. Debrief (15 minutes after group ends) 

• Meet with co-leaders to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. 

• Identify any follow-ups needed (e.g., checking in on a group member, clarifying discussion points next time). 

2. Clean Up (15 minutes after group ends) 

• If meeting in a shared space, reset the room to its original condition. 

• Take out trash, turn off lights, and ensure the area is left clean and orderly. 

• Express gratitude to any host providing the space. 

Remember: Small group leadership is about fostering relationships and creating space for God to move. Stay flexible, be prepared, and lead with love. 

This framework is just a starting point. What would you add or emphasize based on your own small group experiences? Drop your thoughts below!