How to Recruit Potential Small-Group Leaders
A step-by-step approach to an important slice of your group ministry
Thomas G. Kirkpatrick | posted 1/23/2008
| Topics: | Coach, New leader, Recruiting leaders |
| Filters: | Coach, Director, New leader, Train |
| Purpose: | Discipleship |
| References: |  |
| Date Added: | January 23, 2008 |
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Effective small-group leadership requires particular abilities and developed skills. In a word, your ministry thrives on the gift of leadership. This means you need to take much care in recruiting your potential group leaders. In fact, selection of potential small-group leaders should receive the same kind of attention as does the selection of church officers.
Because so few church members have enough experience, training, or confidence to lead effective small groups, a church's pool of small-group leaders is typically small. Rare indeed is the church with enough small-group leaders in place to staff a congregation-wide small-group program. Fortunately, however, most churches probably have more than enough potential small-group leaders among their members. All that is lacking, then, is for you to call them forth and train them.
Because the task of recruiting potential small-group leaders is similar to recruiting church officers, your steering committee's recruitment process is like that of a church's nominating committee. First, list the desired qualities or characteristics for prospective nominees. Then use these criteria to select possible candidates. Finally, ask an adequate number of potential small-group leaders to consider this calling.
Listing Qualities of Small-Group LeadersWhile you can find the necessary qualities or requirements for church officers in a church's constitution or by-laws, you'll probably have to develop a list of desirable qualities for small-group leaders. As with the creation of other elements in the planning process (such as purpose, goals, and strategy), it's best to brainstorm and generate a list of desirable qualities for effective small-group leaders.
Here is a list one church developed. The effective small-group leader:
- Is open to others and willing to share.
- Accepts others and is nonjudgmental.
- Is willing and able to take initiative.
- Is a good listener.
- Is a growing person.
- Is warm and supportive.
- Has confidence in groups.
- Has a healthy commitment to Jesus Christ.
- Is committed to the church.
As is the case for church officers, you probably won't find many people that possess all of the desired qualities. Generally speaking, look for people who have healthy, effective interpersonal relations. A list of qualities such as the example above can serve as a guideline to discover people who have or who are likely to develop such characteristics.
It is probably unwise to nominate someone who is perceived negatively on any of the qualities on your list. For example, someone who is typically judgmental in interpersonal relations will probably have a difficult time leading an effective group with or without training. Moreover, someone whose faith commitment is antagonistic to Christian beliefs or who is a disgruntled, inactive member is unlikely to have a satisfying group leadership experience.
Once you reach a consensus on the qualities you desire in potential small-group leaders, you are ready to assemble and prioritize a list of prospects.
Discovering Prospective Small-Group LeadersA number of people who possess the qualities of effective group leadership may not consider themselves, or have been considered by others, to be "leaders." Remember, what you seek are people who fit the qualities of a potential small-group leader.
To discover candidates for leading small groups, turn to your church's membership directory. This helps your committee to consider everyone in the congregation—not just those who come to mind or who are already serving in other leadership positions. At first, ask committee members to work alone, generating a list of leader candidates. Then the committee can compare notes and decide whom to ask to consider this ministry. A good way to achieve consensus is to list everyone's candidates on a blackboard or newsprint. Then discuss each candidate's qualifications for leading a small group.
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Abigail Taylor
Very informative, and interesting indeed. Thank you for sharing. Your labor of love is never in vain in the Lord. God will reward you in so many ways.
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