10 Tips for Leading a Small Group

Can you remember how you felt on the first day of school? No matter what grade you were in there could be fear, excitement, angst, or an anticipation of the possibilities.

Those same emotions are similar to how Bible students of all ages and even group leaders feel at the beginning of a new study. While not an expert on leading small groups, through the years I have read about, observed, and practiced a few “rules” for leading a small group. These are helpful to alleviate any fears and set a group on a course to focus on God and not on ourselves.

Here are a few “tips” that have guided me in leading a small group:

1. Pray

Pray specifically for the Spirit to lead you as a facilitator and pray specifically for each person by name. Model the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) in praise to God, thanksgiving for His presence, and petitions for His Will.

2. Be Grateful

Instead of fear of failure or lack of ability in leading a Bible study, thank God for the opportunity to facilitate others in seeking The Truth of Salvation found in Jesus.

3. Be Real and Relatable

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” (1 Peter 3:15b - 16a). Leaders are to be honest and open in sharing their personal journey with Jesus.

4. It’s Okay to Not Know the Answer

Remember. A facilitator is “one who guides the process of reading and understanding” God’s Word. If a question comes up that a facilitator cannot answer, the response can be: “I don’t know the answer to that, but I can research it.” Or “How about we all research that question and see what we find for next week?”

5. Explain the Group Rules

The group rules for a study which should be repeated each week for the first couple of weeks. (Jeremiah 33)

• What is shared in this group, stays in this group, and will not be shared outside of this group.

• No one will be called on to read out loud or to pray…if someone wants to volunteer, feel free to do so.

• It is helpful to come prepared for the study or you can just show up…but the more you put into the study, the more you will get out of it.

• Pray for what God wants to reveal to you, personally. Commit to seeking God daily.

6. Be Aware of “Christianese”

Avoid saying phrases like: “Let us open our hearts in prayer” or “We all know the story of [blank]…” (no, we don’t). Instead of saying, “Go to the Old Testament book of Habakkuk” a facilitator should direct the group to the Table of Contents if a paper Bible is being used or spell out “Habakkuk” for those using the Bible app.

7. Outline the Timetable

Prepare a general timetable for the study. While the goal is not to get through every question, it is important to prepare and manage the time allotted so that the group begins and ends on time.

Example

• Ice Breaker question: Give everyone an opportunity to get involved. (5-7 mins)

• Question 1 - Who was the first Disciple to be chosen by Jesus? (1 min)

• Question 2 - Why do you think Andrew told Peter, “We have found the Messiah”? (5 min)

• Question 3 - Is it important for us to know why we believe that Jesus is the Messiah? (10 min)

Be flexible. If you do find that you are running out of time because of good discussions, ask: “Since we have about 10 minutes left and there are four more questions, is there a specific question that someone would like to discuss?” This lets the group know that you expected them to have already previewed or answered the questions before meeting together. If you get into the habit of never getting past the first three questions, you send the message that only the first few questions matter.

8. Prayer Time

Praying and sharing requests can be intimidating.

• We want to pray for each other as we grow in our relationship with the Lord... The facilitator sets the example with praise or a personal request.

• Tell the group, “If you have a specific request but do not feel comfortable saying what it is, or you do not wish to name a person, you can ask for an “unspoken request” - God knows.”

• If someone consistently asks for prayers for others - as in a list of needs - ask, “How can we pray for you in these situations?” Ultimately, we are asking God to be in a person’s life as they heal or seek a job or work through a relationship.

• Try to avoid lengthy prayer request time…from the beginning, allow each person a minute, and allow time for a few minutes more, if necessary.

• If a person is seeking advice, the best method might be to say, “Sam wants help in dealing with a difficult co-worker. Would anyone be willing to stay after and pray specifically with Sam in this?” Be hesitant to offer advice during prayer request time.

9. Introverts and Extroverts

Introverts might respond to a private conversation outside of the group where their ideas can be shared one-on-one. With encouragement, over time, they might feel comfortable sharing in the group.

Extroverts can be helpful but if they dominate, a suggestion such as “You have interesting observations… let’s ask if anyone else has an idea.” Sometimes an extrovert needs to just “see” other people in the group.

10. Connect During the Week

Encourage texting, email, phone calls, cards, or coffee/lunch. Any of these outside contacts speak volumes in care and in developing relationships.

We each have a God-given thirst to know the Truth found only in the Father and the Son. (Psalm 42:1-2) Through the Spirit’s leading, a small group leader can be privileged to see a person’s thirst met in reading God’s Word, in prayer, and in forming friendships with others.