Leadership Tips

• Preparation of the leader’s mind and heart is critical for the health of the group.  We’re all busy, and time is a precious commodity.  That said, there may be some small things you can do that will have big payoffs for the group.
• Pray for your group members before you begin preparing to lead the group.  Try to imagine how each person’s life situation will shape how he or she approaches that week’s study, and pray that God will meet each one through your study and interaction.
• Read the lesson and accompanying Bible passages, asking God to meet you in the material.  Consider writing down anything that particularly strikes you. 
• Ask yourself, If people remembered only one thing from our conversation tonight, what would I want it to be?  Shape your discussion plans accordingly.
• Some practical matters:   Food always lubricates a conversation.  Consider having group members sign up to bring snacks.  Also consider having a study Bible on hand when you meet.
• When your group is just getting started, consider the usefulness of creating a group covenant.  This can outline what the group’s values are, and what members should expect from one another. 
• Consider planning (or asking someone else to plan) a social gathering for your group early in the study, especially if the group members do not already know each other well.
• In each week’s “Bring It Home” section, there are different options for group members to choose from.  These options recognize that different people have different learning styles.  Read over the options as a group, and let the group decide what option seems best to its members.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with an option that may initially seem to stretch group members.  See what comes from a creative group exercise—you may be surprised!
• One of the perils and privileges of leadership is that often the group mirrors its leader(s).  If possible and practical, seek out a trusted member of the group for feedback about your leadership style as the group progresses.
• Be aware that group members will look to you as a leader.  Honest conversation is very important in the group, and leaders need to model vulnerability and humility.  However, do be wise about how and to what degree you share your own sin struggles with your group.  Don’t sense that you have to be perfect to be a leader—no one would ever qualify!  But do find an accountability partner or trusted friend to be your primary confessor. 
• The group will need you to provide structure and guidance for your meetings.  When posing a question that others may find difficult (or may be reluctant) to answer, consider answering the question yourself first, giving others some time to think and modeling the kind of response you might have in mind.  
• If you find that group members are raising questions or personal struggles you don’t feel qualified to handle, get their permission and ask your pastor or elders for their help.  Additionally, if after a number of meetings you sense that the group dynamics are poor, approach your pastor or elders about strategies for management or the assistance in making some changes.
• Enjoy the people in your group and the experience of journeying with them!  Watch to see what God teaches you through this experience.

Additional resources:

Small Group Leader Guide from Christianity Today

For further reading and resources on leading a small group, see Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal

Submit your ideas!

Do you have suggestions for this particular session? Something that was especially meaningful for you or your group? Extra reading you’d like to suggest? Help others get the most out of this session. Send your ideas to editors@FaithAliveResources.org and we’ll consider adding them here!