Leading a small group can be a big task for some people.  If you follow a few simple steps you can see your group flourish.

Start On Time – If you want to lose people fast then start late every meeting.  I know people arrive at different times, but adults need to be adults and we need to start when we say we will.

Don’t Answer Your Own Question – If you have a stronger knowledge of the bible than your participants this can become an out for participants.  Just be quiet and wait.  A little silence can go a long way in building a group.

Make Sure Everyone Feels Safe When Sharing - Nothing will destroy a group faster than some one telling another member they’re wrong.  You have to let every one know that not all of us are at the same faith or knowledge level so we need to be patient and help each other grow.

Ask Leading Questions – I learned this when I sold cars.  Never ask a yes or no question.  We were trained to ask, “Did you come in looking for a new or used car today?” or “Are you looking for a car or Truck today?”  Leading questions help people formulate their own ideas and build their faith.

Ask Follow-up Questions – If a question comes to your mind while someone is answering a question then ask it.  You may not be the only one who is thinking it.

Be Excited About the Group – If you’re not excited no one else will be.  You are going to set the mood for every meeting.  If you see people at church or around town then say something about how great the last time together was and build the group up.

Let The Questions Soak – This is another car sales tactic.  like I said earlier silence is okay.  When people are silent after a question it doesn’t mean they don’t have an answer, it means they are trying to formulate it in their heads.  While we are uncomfortable today with silence you have to not say anything and be willing to wait it out.

Make Sure Everyone Has a Chance to Answer - You may have one person who answers most of the questions either because of knowledge, lack of knowledge (they want to look smart), more comfortable answering, they hate silence, or many other reasons.  You have to encourage others to answer as well. Dissenting views are the hardest to get because they don’t want to look like they are trying to pick a fight or look wrong.  Getting multiple answers to a question may be the hardest task of all, but it gets easier with practice.

Have Fun – If this is looked at as a time of serious fun more people will take part.  Take time to just meet and share a light meal or coffee.  Go to a park or the beach together.  Build relationships while you build your faith.

Pray – If you are leading a small group, these people need you to be a spiritual leader for them.  You need to pray for each person under your leadership and pray for the meeting times as well.  You don’t have to be the one who prays at every group meeting, but you do need to be the one leading the prayer charge behind the scenes.

What Tips Do You Have For Leading Small Groups?  Do You Have  A Small Group Story You Can Share?