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Q & A Discussion: Bill Tenney-Brittian

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As a leader, what should I do when my small group becomes too big for me to handle?

Bill Tenney-Brittian responds in our Q & A discussion.

Topics:	Coach, Director, Growth, numerical, Infrastructure, Organization, Planning, Shepherd
Filters:	Coach, Director, Pastor, Train
Purpose:	Discipleship
References:	Luke 10:1-2
Date Added:	August 19, 2008

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The best answer to that question is to begin doing something about the situation before you get too big. In fact, I teach my small-group leaders to begin apprenticing future leaders from the first gathering. However, the solution is the same even if you're already in over your head. The key is to not pre-qualify who may or may not be a "good" group leader. Instead, groom and apprentice everyone to be a leader.

To do this, make a list of the necessary tasks for leading a small group in your church. These "tasks" are the actual hands-on things leaders need to do. For example, in our small groups we include:

Hospitality
Prayer
Bible study
Member care
Evangelism
Follow-up

After we've met as a group for three weeks or so, I simply begin asking others to handle various tasks. For instance, I'll ask someone to be the small-group greeter and to help make sure everyone has their comfort needs met. I'll ask someone else to lead the prayer time. And so on. By the end of 8 to 12 weeks, everyone will have significant experience in each task.

Only then do I suggest that we begin praying that God will raise up new leaders who will start new groups (not unlike the prayer in Luke 10:2). We do this every week. It never fails to amaze me when I see the Spirit begin working in the lives of one or more group members, and eventually someone comes forward and shares that God is calling them to start something new.

The next step is to help that person begin a new group. If you encourage them to meet on a different day or time, they will be able to continue participating in the original group—if they want to—and so they won't have to "leave." This will help them multiply rather than divide the group.