What To Expect From a Small Group Leader

I have read articles that seem to say groups are not effective, that serving is better. Really? I guess it depends on how your groups are structured and what is expected from the Leader of that group. Let me start by saying it is not serving or small groups…. but both. If set-up and operated the correct way, more spiritual growth will occur in a small group that any other place. The problem is less and less people out there either don’t know how to do it or are not willing to do it. It is hard, time consuming, but at the same time most rewarding .

Here is how it used to be done and still can be. If I was your small group leader I viewed the list of those in my class as a ministry list. God has sent these folks to me for a time and given me spiritual responsibility for them while they are in my care. My first goal would be to demonstrate that I care about those in the group. This occurs both inside and outside the class. As they begin to realize I sincerely cared about them then trust is built…which is what is necessary for folks to allow you to speak into their lives. I always keep a journal of those under my care with information that helps me to minister to them. Struggles they are going through, prayers, spiritual growth that has occurred. One of the responsibilities of the Leader is to help those in his care discover how God has gifted them and a place to serve in the kingdom. At some point a private conversation occurs with each individual about their salvation experience…are they sure…they can be. If not, this will be something that we pursue until they are. We do ministry together…not just hang out and hope that growth occurs. We may visit someone in a hospital, witness to a lost person, financially help a brother in need. Counseling may occur or help from a professional is sought out. As time goes on the teaching moves from broadly on God’s Word to teaching on specific needs going on in individual lives. There is accountability, having some hard discussions, helping them grow.

Some may read this and say people don’t want these things…which may be true. Typically, people do not want what is best for them, what is difficult, what is hard but then Heaven will not be over crowded. Leaders don’t allow the people to set the standards…God has set those. In scripture the people always wander away from God and not one time have they ever come back on their own. It has always taken a Leader to bring them back. Do we not have any of these Leaders anymore? (Thoughts From the Trail)