Small groups are such a sweet addition to the life of a believer, especially when they’re led well. They provide a place for intimate, authentic relationship while exploring questions about faith and the Bible in a safe space. These sweet treasures only happen, though, under the guidance of a good leader. How do you know if you’re ready to be that kind of leader? Here are some questions that can help you discern whether you should take the next step in becoming a small group leader.
Are you walking with God?
What does it mean to walk with God? Surely it involves consistently reading your Bible and praying, but it’s more than that. When we walk with someone, we keep in step with them. We listen to what they’re saying and respond. We change direction when they do. This is the way we should be with God—close and connected, listening and learning. This is so elementary, but it’s the number one quality of a good small group leader. Walking with God brings all the other things on this list into reality.
Can you recognize when something doesn’t line up with the Bible?
You don’t have to have a seminary degree to be a good leader, but you do need to be able to discern when something doesn’t match what the Bible teaches. You need to know basic truths about God, the Bible, salvation and other foundational topics so that if someone says something different than what the Bible says, you can gently correct them. No one’s knowledge is perfect, and you can always ask a pastor or other leader for help (so don’t go too hard on yourself,) but do evaluate whether you’re ready for this responsibility.
Are you willing to be a servant-hearted leader?
Describing Jesus’s leadership style, Mathew 20:28 says,
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
If Jesus led by serving, we should follow His example by serving our groups as well. What does it mean to be a servant-hearted small group leader? As the leader, you do need to be willing to be the last in the line at the potluck, to talk less and listen more, and to be ready to take on the burdens of others despite what burdens you may be carrying. The motives for leading can’t be status or privilege because these are the very things that you must give up to be the kind of leader Jesus modeled. Ultimately, you are there to put others and their needs above your own. As a leader, you are there to serve others above yourself.
Are you willing to apply the lesson to yourself first?
The passion and encouragement from the lesson that you convey is directly related to the amount you have applied it to your own heart. What questions did you ask about the lesson? What was interesting to you? What sin did you feel convicted of? These are your best teaching points for your group. If you aren’t able or willing to open your own heart to the truth of the Word and let it convict and change you, it will be hard for you to lead your group to do the same.
Can you ask good questions?
The best small group leaders know how to engage their group in conversation. This means you need to know how to ask good questions. Open-ended questions are best as opposed to questions with a yes or no answer. These types of questions call for longer answers and more explanation. You should also ask questions that you wrestled with from the lesson, not just questions with easy answers. Another good guide to see if your questions are good: ask yourself what your answer to the question is. If you’re having a hard time articulating an answer, maybe you need to reword or ask a different question. You also need to be willing to let there be awkward silence while you wait on people to answer. Good questions are key to an engaging group time.
Do you have time to prepare and care?
Leading any good group takes time—both to prepare the lesson and discussion and to care for its members. As you consider leading, look at your weekly schedule. Do you have the time to adequately prepare for your time together? Do you have time to study the passage and apply it to your own heart? Is there space in your schedule to text someone that you’re praying for her or to drop off a meal when a group member is having a tough week?
God has called us to invest in other believers, and one great way to do that is by being a small group leader. If you desire to lead, that’s great! You don’t have to be perfect in any of the above areas, but they are useful questions to ask as you desire to grow in your leadership. If you are considering leading, pray and take the next step, whether it’s growing in one of these areas or beginning to lead a group. You’ll be so glad you did!
Go deeper by reading about 5 ways you can pray for your small group.
About Candi Powers
Candi is a pastor’s wife, nurse, seminary graduate, and proud mom to three kids. As the Women’s Life Coordinator at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, she guides women to authentically, practically and joyfully engage their minds on the truth of Scripture. She finds joy in Oklahoma football, exploring new places, and putting together puzzles in her downtime.
