Small Group leaders do so much. I was just thinking of some of the people who led me in my younger days, and then of some of the people who lead in our SGs ministry here at West Side. It seems like there are so many different models of SG ministries out there. I’ve read what seems like only a handful of books about SG leadership compared to the hundreds still on my reading list. But the thing that amazes me through all of the different approaches and organizational theories and concepts is not the differences (which are many), but the similarities.
It seems like most “experts” agree on the essentials of SG leadership. These essentials come naturally to some people, and others really have to work at some components of them, but I’ve never met an effective small group leader who didn’t possess some of these qualities as part of who they are. Effective small group leaders go beyond the boundaries of group time. They engage with the people in their group outside of the set meeting schedule. They contact members through e-mail, facebook, or phone to see how life is going. They offer intentional interaction, providing encouragement in good times and bad. They sit together at church and go out for coffee and eat meals together.
Effective SG leaders go beyond the role of “leader” and enter into friendships with those they journey with. They know and have experienced the value of relationship in the journey of faith. Effective SG leaders know that sometimes they need to be the sage on the stage, and other times they need to be the guide by the side. They know that at times they need to lead because they are a step ahead on the journey, but at other times they are simply a pilgrim journeying beside the others in their group, sorting life out as it comes and pursuing God through all of it. And really good sg leaders are humble enough to know that a lot of times they can learn a lot from the other members in their group. They don’t pretend to be know-it-alls and they trade in the pretentious appearance for vulnerability and genuineness.
Effective SG leaders spur others on in love and good deeds, encouraging them in the way of faith, praying with them and for them, all the while modeling a lifestyle sold out to Christ. Small group leaders do so much!
So when I think about what small group leaders do, it’s not preparing lessons and teaching people and generating conversations and all the other tasks that go with small group leadership that comes to mind, not that those aren’t important. But when I think about what sg leaders do, I think about people loving God and loving others in His name, and as a result I think of people who are changing the landscape of eternity.
It humbles me to read your description of a small group leader. As I continue my journey as a sg leader, it seems that I am the one that is growing and being nurtured by my group. As I mature as a leader I have learned to appreciate and agree with your statement that what sg leaders do is show people loving God and loving others in His name. I guess living life togethor does trump planning lessons and teaching people but I still hold out for good treats.
Couldn’t agree more. Its sort of like being a parent. There are all those direct duties you have like clothing, feeding, and general rearing. But it is more than that it is being an advisor, mentor, guide, friend, and atm.
Small groups really grow into a family of sorts. The leader is responsible for the day to day that keeps the family going but is ultimately just as much a member as the newest of christian or eldest of member in that group.
Side note the rhyming…Nerdy.
It took me a while to realize that being a small group leader did involve more than just organizing group meetings and snacks. I have found that the most meaningful relationships I have developed with the people in my group have happened outside of group time, when I have taken the time to get involved in what is going on in their lives. The cool thing that God has shown me through this is that not only can I be a blessing to someone else, most of the time what ends up happening is that I am the one who ends up being blessed.
In my “doings” as an SG leader, I am often reminded of a quote from Bill Hybels “Our responsibility is to inspire, pray, encourage and challenge, but God causes the growth . . . Aren’t you relieved that we are not responsible for people’s growth? The Holy Spirit is the agent of change. God simply asks us to create an environment that nurtures that growth.” I find this truth encouraging and a good reminder of the value of prayer for each member in my group.