Characteristics of a Small Group Leader

Here are eight characteristics that successful small group leaders share.  The list is not exhaustive but is still challenging as we persistently maintain our focus.  The leader:   

1. Continually imagines what an effective small group would look like and envisions his/her group reaching that level of excellence.   

2. Not only prays for the group members daily, but asks God’s direction to develop each member’s spiritual gifts. 

3. Is presently making a list of potential people and gaining their commitments to begin the next group when the present one is completed.

4. Is presently training two people in the present group who will someday lead their own group. 

5. Prepares early in the week for the upcoming lesson.  This allows the Holy Spirit more time to develop ideas for lesson applications within the leader. Deep thoughts without specific personal applications are rarely effective.         

6. Is fellowship sensitive.  Fellowship may take the form of activities such as parties.  However, for groups that are not socially inclined, individual luncheons or activities may be a valuable solution.  

7. Not only thoroughly prepares for upcoming lessons but maintains personal contact with group members.  It is important to remember, being close relationally to group members allows the leader to be more aggressive in challenging individuals spiritually.   

8. Realizes you can only hold people accountable for what they say they will do.  This is true, whether mentoring individuals or leading a group through its various stages of maturity.    

Whatever characteristics you would want to add to this list, feel free to do so.  More importantly, remember none of us will lead our groups forever.  Someone will take our place.  Years from now, what might others say about your leadership characteristics?  Someone once looked back and wrote:  

We that had loved him so, followed him, honored him,
Lived in his mild and magnificent eye,
Learned his great language, caught his clear accents,
Made him our pattern to live and to die!

“The Lost Leader” -- Robert Browning

Enjoy leading your group!