Leading A Small Group: Practical Advice
“If a man (woman) remains in me and I in him (her) he (she) will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.”-John 15:5bNIV
Preparing To Lead
“Be prepared to correct, rebuke, encourage- with great patience and careful instruction.”- 2 Timothy 2:4b
Pray for yourself, your group members and for the session.
Set aside time daily to read the Bible and prepare to lead.
During the week, connect with the members one on one with an email or text. If there was a mother who had shared about her sick child, enquire about his health, pray for him and follow up. Make sure they are all able to get to class. If a student has to take a bus will someone be able to pick her up on the way?
If there is a member who is quiet or shy, let her mark out a question or two she would like to answer. You may want to discuss a question with her on the phone to give her more confidence.
In your device or in a notepad note down details about your group members and how you can be praying for them. This may include Ruby’s sick grandmother, Karina’s travel plans, Aliya’s family crisis and celebrations like a new baby, a graduation day or a wedding.
On The Day
“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”-1 Timothy 4:12b NIV
Arrive early and set up.
Dress neatly and well, making sure your clothes, jewelry and makeup are not over powering.
Make sure every one feels included. If you have a new member, making them sit beside you and giving them a chance to introduce themselves is a good idea.
Start on time. You may want to start by praying, reading a prayer, playing a song or with a short piano piece. Adding variety is a good idea.
In one of my small groups, I drew a verse on a small white board as an introduction activity. It just took a minute or two. A friend of mine plays a hymn on her device. Singing a chorus together would also work. You can decide what works for you.
If a member breaks down and cries during her sharing time, take the situation to God, pray keep tissues handy.
For any emergencies have a bottle of water, paracetamol, lozenges, tissues, sanitary pads, tissues, plasters, pens and a notepad.
As a leader you do not have to reply to each answer or respond to everyone who shares. Make sure you maintain eye contact and listen well.
A good leader allows her group members to bounce off each other and only speaks 10% of the time or less.
Pray as you lead. After you finish in the quiet of your home, thank the Lord.
“For from him and through him and to him are all things to him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.”-Romans 11:36 NIV
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shoba Ranjitsingh is an architect, writer, a proud mother and an excited new grandmother who works in a Primary school in New Zealand. Shoba enjoys studying God’s word and her role as a STL at Bible Study Fellowship in NZ for 6 years has enabled her to now write and lead Women’s Bible Studies. Helping women study and enjoy God’s word as they embrace each season of life is her prayer as a writer. Long walks, cakes, hymns, coffee, books and quiet family evenings describe Shoba. Ranjit and Shoba live in Auckland.