When you participate in a well done small group leadership training conference or seminar (like Willow Creek's recent Small Group Conference), you are reminded anew that leaders are developed intentionally over time. Intentional shepherding and development includes training—both through instruction and "hands-on" experience.
That's why I appreciated the chart presented by Sheryl Fleisher at one of the main sessions at the Willow Creek Small Group Conference. This chart provides a framework for the sometimes overwhelming and time-consuming task of creating a small group leadership plan for our churches. The left-hand column on the chart lists development components for small group leadership and the right three columns list markers of maturity for "new", "intermediate" and "seasoned" small group leaders in each of the listed leadership development component areas. This chart can be an excellent tool to help you evaluate your training needs for small group leadership at your church.
Development Process of Small Group Leaders
By Sheryl Fleisher
Willow Creek Community Church, Barrington, Illinois
