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.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

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

    • 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

    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

Quicksheet

Stepping into Small Group Leadership Quicksheet

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!

PDF

Fillable Worksheet

Small Group Development Plan (fillable)

Fill out the worksheet online or print it out as you go through the course.

Fillable PDF

Student sitting on bench smiling

Small Group Development Plan

Find sample plans and weekly schedules for small group.

Ministry Library Page

Guides

Reflection Guide

Psalm 23 Self-Care Reflection Guide

This guided reflection will help you invest in your own self-care before, during, and after serving as a small group leader.

Ministry Library Page

Hands holding a candle

Spiritual Practices Handout

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

Ministry Library Page

Sign outdoors with word "Silence"

Spiritual Practice of Silence

This short guide will walk you through how to engage in the spiritual practice of silence.

Ministry Library Page

Students sitting together

Small Group Leadership Collection

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

Ministry Library Collection

More

Stages of a Small Group

Stages of a Small Group

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

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