Programs do not make disciples; disciples make disciples.
Michael C. Mack
Jesus spent most of his time with twelve average men: fishermen, tax collectors, and the like. While he was with them for three years, they were undependable, slow to learn, and, at times, self-absorbed. Yet Jesus' plan was to disciple these twelve men and then to turn them loose to take the most important message of all time to the entire world.
What if they failed? What was Plan B? There was no ...
There are several ways you can serve as a spiritual guide to those in your small group.
Tom Brandy
Perhaps the most exciting and intimidating role a small group leader may play in the lifestyles of small group participants is that of "spiritual guide." The excitement lies in being midwife to another's insight and mentor to another's mission. The intimidation lies in the sheer terror that someone might actually listen to you, follow your advice, and stake their future on your perceptions. There ...
Many of us take on too much and get burnt out; here are some responsibilities you shouldn't be taking on.
Joel Comiskey
Guilt. Burden. Overload. Nathan wondered how he could continue leading his small group with a full-time job, young family, and worship ministry on Sunday morning. Now his visionary pastor was piling on new leadership responsibilities, asking him to build weekly relationship with group members.
Like Nathan, many leaders slowly, imperceptibly slip from the radar screen of small group leadership. The ...
A Small-Group Leader must see his or her duty as far more than merely leading a meeting that occurs in someone’s living room during the week.
Jay Firebaugh
At Clearpoint, the cell church where I serve as senior pastor, we say that we pastor people 5 to 15 at a time. That means that a small group leader must see his or her duty as far more than merely leading a meeting that occurs in someone's living room during the week! Rather, it is up to the small group leader to take "spiritual responsibility" for the individuals in his, her, or their group. (This ...
Implement the accountability factor in your group.
Esther M. Bailey
When you throw out a challenge to your group members, you hope for good results. Even if they are inspired to move closer to God or modify an unhealthy behavior, they may still follow through with action for a while but lose heart when the going gets tough. There are times when human discipline is not enough.
As the leader, you can introduce the accountability factor. Just as students study harder ...
As a leader, the role of spiritual director is one you must have and refine.
Bill Donahue, Ph.D.
Years ago at Willow Creek, we realized that our small group leaders wear many hats—vision caster, encourager, disciplinarian, discussion leader, and shepherd, to name a few. We agreed that one hat leaders must wear to help people grow is the Spiritual Director hat, but this raises several questions in a leader's mind: "What exactly is spiritual direction?" "What role can the leader play to foster ...
Small group leadership in the local church is a detail-intensive ministry. Lesson preparation and regular contact with group members are hard enough to squeeze into a busy leader's calendar. Add to these the scheduling of hosts and refreshments, information updates and attendance at training sessions, and it becomes one of the most demanding ministries in the church.
Practical ways for small groups to find a better rhythm with God
by Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, Wayne Jacobsen, and others
In our increasingly busy culture, encouraging prayer and spiritual disciplines among church attenders is consistently a challenge for pastors and ministry leaders. This theme includes teaching from wise spiritual directors, including Richard Foster, Henri Nouwen, and Ben Patterson. Articles range from "How to Pray as a Group" to "Where Do You Stand," written to help leaders see ways that spiritual ...
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