Chase Snyder | Co-Pastor, FBC Loganville
God hasn’t called us to be mediocre spiritual leaders.
Doesn't that statement make you a little nervous? It does for me.
Small group leaders have an incredible calling to impart practical spiritual truth with a group of people who are on various levels of spiritual maturity. This is also an incredibly difficult task!
It is well known that the best leaders are self-aware to their limitations, issues, and shortcomings. The list below reflects seven qualities of incredible small group leaders. None of us match up with every one of these. We all have gaps. However, it is important for us to recognize where we are, where we need to be, and who we can bring into the mix to help us fill the gaps of our leadership.
Take your time and pray through this list and see where God is leading you to grow as a leader.
Doesn't that statement make you a little nervous? It does for me.
Small group leaders have an incredible calling to impart practical spiritual truth with a group of people who are on various levels of spiritual maturity. This is also an incredibly difficult task!
It is well known that the best leaders are self-aware to their limitations, issues, and shortcomings. The list below reflects seven qualities of incredible small group leaders. None of us match up with every one of these. We all have gaps. However, it is important for us to recognize where we are, where we need to be, and who we can bring into the mix to help us fill the gaps of our leadership.
Take your time and pray through this list and see where God is leading you to grow as a leader.
Following Jesus
It is impossible to lead others to Jesus if you are not following Him.
Small group leaders must be growing spiritually. Does this mean they have to be perfect? Of course not! Maturity doesn’t mean you are perfect. Maturity in Jesus means that you are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus through spiritual disciplines. Spiritually immature people are incapable of being spiritual leaders. The greatest spiritual leaders are those who are led by Jesus as they pray, study God's Word, and walk by faith.
Small group leaders must be growing spiritually. Does this mean they have to be perfect? Of course not! Maturity doesn’t mean you are perfect. Maturity in Jesus means that you are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus through spiritual disciplines. Spiritually immature people are incapable of being spiritual leaders. The greatest spiritual leaders are those who are led by Jesus as they pray, study God's Word, and walk by faith.
Attentive
Great small group leaders are attentive to the needs, spiritual conditions, and personalities of the people whom they are serving. It isn’t enough for a small group leader to know the Bible study material—they must know the people they are serving.
Patient
Small group leaders are not responsible to “fix” people. Some leaders become increasingly frustrated when the people in their group aren’t maturing as quickly as others. Be patient. People are different. People come from different backgrounds. People have different stories. God's grace is sufficient for all of them. Remember, spiritual growth is a journey as we walk with God. Some people are on different legs of the journey.
Encouraging
People are willing to follow someone who encourages them. Everyone feels inadequate in some areas of their spiritual life. Encouraging your group can be as simple as praying, sending text messages, or remembering to follow up to answer a question.
Available
The most encouraging person can still make for a bad group leader if he is unavailable to his group. Time and energy are essential to disciple others. Group leaders understand that at times they will sacrifice their schedule to minister to their group.
Facilitator
Be a leader that facilitates conversation. Facilitators steer the conversation without controlling the conversation. Facilitation, when done well, incorporates strong Biblical teaching and ensures there are practical steps for each person to walk away with.
Servant
Jesus’ life exemplified the power present when we assume the role of a servant leader. Your group doesn’t exist to serve you, but for you to serve them. Enthusiasm is contagious. It is important for you to enjoy spending time with your group.
The leader is the one who sets the pace for this. If you dread attending group meetings, your group will dread it as well. Add elements that will connect the team to one another and spark their enjoyment for life and Jesus, as you serve them like Jesus serves us.
The leader is the one who sets the pace for this. If you dread attending group meetings, your group will dread it as well. Add elements that will connect the team to one another and spark their enjoyment for life and Jesus, as you serve them like Jesus serves us.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chase Snyder
Pastor Chase is a Co-Pastor at FBC Loganville. He and his wife, Annie, and their two kids have been at FBC Loganville since 2017. His heart is to help people faithfully follow Jesus. Chase loves spending time with his family, being outdoors, drinking strong coffee, reading, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers.