Leading a small group

We are excited that God put it on your heart to start a small group. The number one step in starting and leading a small group is pray, pray, pray. As you know we are to be led by the "Good Shepherd" into what He has called us. John 10:4 says, "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." In each step of your group ask the "Good Shepherd" to lead you and listen to His voice for direction. This will equip you to lead others.

1. Be accountable to a covering

Before starting your small group, talk to the leadership in your church. Ask them for direction and for their blessing upon your group. Stay accountable to them and give them updates on how the group is going.

2. Choose a location for the group

The location of your group is important. It needs to be easily accessible to each member of the group. It should be a place where you can read and have conversation without too many distractions. A public place is usually best for all members and is a great way to get the word of God into the community. Small groups in public places are a great evangelism tool. You'll be surprised at how many take interest in what your group is doing.

3. Choose a time to meet

Most groups meet once a week but if the Lord wants you to do something different then do it. If possible you should try and meet when most members are at their best mentally. In the morning before work or school, or in the evening after work or school are great times to meet with your group.

4. Invite others to the group

Ask the Lord to show you who to invite to the group. He may want you to invite specific people or leave it open to anyone. If He tells you to invite anyone, post your group on the Vine Journal Network section of this site.

5. Do your homework

Before meeting with your group it is a good idea to read the passage for that day and do some studying on it. It really helps to give the group a background on what you're about to read and help set the stage for the members of the group.

6. Introductions

When the group meets for the first time you should make sure that everyone is introduced to each other and that some guidelines for the group are laid down. Each member should do their best to be on time for the group, they should remain accountable to each other, conversations should remain confidential, etc. If you were joining a new group, how would you like to be treated in the group?

7. Pray to start the meeting

Each meeting should start in prayer. You should invite the Lord to be with you and to guide your conversations.

8. Set a timeline to finish the reading

Set a time like 20 minutes for everyone to finish the reading. This will allow fast readers the ability to look back over what they read and slower readers to finish the reading without feeling like they have to keep up with the fast readers. We all want to retain what we read not forget it because we tried to read to fast.

9. Make journal entries

After the time is up for reading, each member of the group should make a journal entry for what they just read. Just as you did for the reading you should set a time like 10 minutes to make your journal entry.

9. Discussion

When everyone is done writing in their journal, take some time to go around the group and give everyone a chance to share what God is showing them in the reading today.

9. Closing

Make sure that you have a definite closing time for the group. Each member should know when the group starts and what time it ends. This will help them when keeping schedules. Especially if they have families. Pray as a group about what you just learned and thank the Lord for who He is and what He is doing in your life.