Are you a small group leader? Do you find it difficult to create a strong bible study for your small group? In order to help out other small group leaders, I have come up with a list of five tools that I feel that every small group leader needs.
1. Bible
This one should be obvious, I know. But you’d be surprised how many small groups spend more time discussing their favorite religious books and authors rather than diving straight into God’s word to see what He is trying to tell them. Make this your first stop as you plan your small group lesson.
2. Prayer
Another seemingly obvious component of a small group, wouldn’t you think? Again, this is often overlooked. Not only do you need to pray during your small group, but spend time praying as you are planning out your lessons. Pray throughout the week that God will reveal Himself through your teaching. Pray that He will influence your teaching. Pray for the participants throughout the week that God will show Himself to them as well.
3. A Small Group
When you are planning discipleship groups, make sure that you have a small number of participants. This will help you to have a more meaningful discussion as many people are more willing to open up to a small number of people. If you have a group of even ten or more, participants may not feel confident sharing their thoughts for fear that they are incorrect. A smaller atmosphere also fosters a closeness in your discipleship group that isn’t there in a larger group.
4. Willingness to submit to God’s plans
I touched on this a bit when discussing prayer, but God has a plan for your small group. He wants to make disciples of all nations, but remember, He is making disciples, not you.
Yes, you are an important part of His plan, but when God makes His presence known, be willing to step aside and listen. You can make plan after plan, but God will make sure that things go according to His plan, not yours.
For example, after hearing of an illness in the group, your discipleship group meeting that week may turn into a prayer meeting as you all become prayer warriors for your fellow small group member. Or perhaps, after hearing of a vital need in your community, your group that week may become the hands and feet of God as He leads your group to fulfill that vital need.
As the leader of the group, you will have to make sure your group doesn’t follow random tangents every week since the purpose of the group is to grow as disciples, but pray for discernment and the ability to know when God is leading another way.
5. StudyChurch online tools
It seems that everyone is tech-savvy these days, doesn’t it? Well, discipleship tools have joined the online world as well. StudyChurch makes it easy to collaborate and manage your small groups online. You will be able to write lessons, instantly allowing your group access. StudyChurch also provides a platform that makes it easy for the group to ask questions and interact with the lesson.
So there you have it, some of the tools vital to your success as a small group leader. Hopefully I have been able to give you some helpful tips that you can use with your group. Good luck!