A complete discipleship system for leading intentional preteen and youth ministry

Web Cover 4-5 Essential Skills of a Small Group Leader

FREE Volunteer Training Video: 5 Skills Of A Small Group Leader⁣

FREE VOLUNTEER TRAINING VIDEO

This video is part of our 3-part Youth Volunteer Training Series.

5 Skills Of A Small Group Leader⁣

Being a small group leader is a privilege and a responsibility. It’s an opportunity to impact lives, foster spiritual growth, and build a strong community. This post will explore the five essential skills every small group leader should master to lead their group effectively.⁣ Watch the video or read the summary below. And download a free discussion guide to use with your adult volunteers.

Skill #1: Teach For Transformation

Teaching for transformation means going beyond conveying information. It involves connecting lessons to real-life experiences and helping students in the group apply biblical principles. Share personal stories that illustrate how God’s Word has impacted you. Those stories will make lessons more relatable and show practical ways to live out faith.⁣

  • Example: When discussing Jesus feeding the 5,000, share a personal story about how you trusted God during a challenging time and saw His provision.⁣

Skill #2: Lead A Discussion

Influential small group leaders know how to facilitate discussions that lead to deeper understanding and discipleship. Instead of simply moving through a list of questions, help students to think critically and share their thoughts. Ask follow-up questions that prompt reflection and personal application.⁣

  • Tip: Never settle for the first answer. Encourage students in the group to delve deeper by asking questions like, “What does that look like in your life?” or “Can you share an experience that relates to this?”⁣

Skill #3: Be Experiential⁣

Incorporating experiential activities can significantly enhance learning and engagement. Activities that involve movement, problem-solving, or hands-on experiences help students internalize lessons memorably.⁣

  • Activity Idea: Use a visual aid, like a long strip of paper, to illustrate the concept of eternity. By doing this, students can grasp abstract ideas more concretely.⁣

Skill #4: Challenge Students To Apply God’s Word

The accurate measure of effective teaching is the application of God’s Word. Encourage your group to move beyond theoretical understanding to practical application. At the end of each session, discuss specific ways students can implement what they’ve learned daily.⁣

  • Strategy: Students can create actionable steps with a clear idea. For example, if the lesson is about loving others, a student might show kindness to a sibling by making them a sandwich and asking about their day.

Skill #5: Find A Replacement⁣

A leader’s key role is to prepare for the future by mentoring someone who can take over. Share your experiences and invite others to observe and eventually co-lead with you. This co-leader not only ensures continuity but also multiplies your impact.⁣

  • Action Step: Regularly share stories of how God is working in your group and invite potential leaders to join your sessions. Your stories as a leader can inspire them to take on leadership roles.⁣

Conclusion

Leading a small group is a rewarding journey that requires dedication and skill. You can make a lasting impact by teaching for transformation, leading engaging discussions, incorporating experiential learning, helping students apply God’s Word, and mentoring future leaders. Embrace these five skills and watch your small group thrive.⁣

Get Your Free Discussion Guide

The “5 Skills Of A Small Group Leader⁣” Discussion Guide will help you use this video training to equip your adult volunteers. Fill out this form and we’ll deliver your FREE Discussion Guide right to your inbox.

By submitting, you agree to receive future communication from us. But don’t worry. We respect your privacy, and we’ll never share your information.

Get Your Free Discussion Guide

The “5 Skills Of A Small Group Leader⁣” Discussion Guide will help you use this video training to equip your adult volunteers. Fill out this form and we’ll deliver your FREE Discussion Guide right to your inbox.

By submitting, you agree to receive future communication from us. But don’t worry. We respect your privacy, and we’ll never share your information.

Try Deep Discipleship Students

Deep Discipleship Students is a complete curriculum and system with everything you need for ministry to junior high and high school students.

  • Bible-based Teaching Series
  • Series Graphics
  • Calendars
  • Parent Resources
  • Leadership Lessons and more!
  • Bible-based Teaching Series
  • Series Graphics
  • Calendars
  • Parent Resources
  • Leadership Lessons and more!

Doug Franklin

Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners who never leave their side. Doug grew up in Illinois and graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Christian Education. He started in youth ministry as a adult volunteer, leading a small group of junior high boys. The experience shaped the way Doug thinks about youth ministry and how students learn. After spending six years as a volunteer, Doug become the full-time high school youth pastor at a church in Wheaton, Illinois. He served as a youth pastor for 12 years in various churches. As Doug thought about what was really working in youth ministry, he came to the conclusion that everything becomes more effective when students lead. So in 1994, Doug started LeaderTreks to partner with youth workers to help them develop their students as leaders. In 2003 LeaderTreks added leadership training for youth workers. It started with five youth workers coming to LeaderTreks for intense training and grew into LeaderTreks’ Refuel Retreats. Doug understands that being a youth worker requires us to lead students, adult volunteers, parents, and church leaders. He wants to help youth workers lead well and to see them become more effective for the purpose of helping students love God.

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