Guide · Free
Small group leader's guide
Leading a small group is more shepherding than teaching, and it is a skill you can learn. This handbook walks you through everything from selecting a study and setting healthy expectations, to preparing yourself and the passage, running a discussion that goes beyond opinion-sharing, praying well in a group, handling conflict and dominant talkers, following up on pastoral needs, and multiplying leaders. Especially useful for first-time leaders, church volunteers stepping into a group after a leader steps down, and pastors wanting a resource to hand every small-group host in the church.
Preparing the passage
Read the passage at least three times before the meeting. Once for the big picture, once with a pen, once on your knees. Identify the big idea, one or two key questions, and one application.
Leading the discussion
Your job is not to teach but to draw out. Ask open questions. Wait through the silence. Affirm honest answers. Redirect gently when the conversation wanders.
Caring for people
A small group is a small church. Pray for each person by name during the week. Follow up between meetings. Be slow to advise and quick to listen.
Praying together
End every meeting in prayer. Make it real, short, and specific. Encourage everyone — eventually — to pray aloud.
Use this for
- Group leaders
- Co-leaders in training
- Pastors equipping small groups
More resources
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