Learning Objectives

Small groups—when done right with a firm foundation of biblical truth and relational trust—can be life-changing! We hope that this course will help you see what an awesome, transformational gift leading a small group can be for others and you.

  • Understand the key functions of a thriving small group

  • Catch the vision for leading life-changing small groups

  • Learn the skills and steps needed to run an ongoing small group

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~45 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off.

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Course Worksheet (fillable pdf)

    We recommend printing this worksheet out (or opening it on separate tab), so you can refer to it as you go. More courses resources can be found at the resource toolbox.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Communities Encountering Jesus

    • Inspired to Lead

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .
  • 2

    Chapter 2: A Vision for a Transformational Small Group

    • Lesson 1: Why Small Groups?

    • Lesson 2: What Small Groups Are and Aren’t

    • Lesson 3: Community on a Journey—The Stages of a Small Group

    • Check for Understanding (Quiz)
  • 3

    Chapter 3: Growing as a Leader

    • Lesson 1: Personal Development as a Leader

    • Lesson 2: The Different Facets of Your Role

    • [Poll] Small Group Leadership Role

    • [Poll Results] Small Group Leadership Role

    • Lesson 3: Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Failure, Celebrating Successes
  • 4

    Chapter 4: Small Group Resources from Start to Finish

    • Lesson 1: Small Group Development Plan

    • Lesson 2: All the Rest
  • 5

    Chapter 5: Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use/adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.


Worksheets

Stepping into Small Group Leadership Quicksheet

(3-page pdf)

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!
Small Group Development Plan (fillable)

(2-page fillable pdf)

Fill out the worksheet online or print it out as you go through the course.
Small Group Development Plan

(Ministry Library page)

 Find sample plans and weekly schedules for small group. 

 

Guides

Psalm 23 Self-Care Reflection Guide

(Ministry Library page)

This guided reflection will help you invest in your own self-care before, during, and after serving as a small group leader.
Spiritual Practices Handout
(Ministry Library page)

Practices include: Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Frugality, Secrecy, Study, Worship, Service, Prayer, Confession 
Spiritual Practice of Silence

(Ministry Library page)

This short guide will walk you through how to engage in the spiritual practice of silence.
Small Group Leadership Collection
(Ministry Library collection)

Browse through tools to equip yourself in leading a small group.


More

Stages of a Small Group

(png image)

Infographic of Beginning, Middle, and End of a small group.


Related Courses

This course is part of the Leading Life-Changing Small Groups Bundle.