Essential Skills and Competencies for Leading a Small Group

This is an ongoing Bible study research project that started when I was challenged to help develop a class that trains group members to become group leaders. As I started to plan the study, I realized I needed a list of required competencies to tailor the training and evaluate the candidates. But as I researched the subject and talked to people, I realized there is a huge divide about what skills are required. Therefore, I’m going to write two lists and ask for your help to resolve the difference.

The first list concentrates on attributes that are deeply rooted in biblical principles. But the second list focuses on practical things that must be done day by day and week after week to keep a small group running smoothly. Coincidentally, both lists have 13 unique items. Please help me decide: is one list more important than the other, or should both lists be combined, or am  I completely missing something?

Biblical Principles of Small Group Leadership

Leadership in a small group setting is not merely about possessing knowledge or skills but about embodying Christ-like character and leading by example. These competencies are centered on a deep love for God and His Word, a commitment to personal growth and integrity, and a passion for fostering spiritual growth in others. Each competency is deeply interwoven with biblical teachings, reflecting the holistic approach to leadership advocated in Scripture. Through prayer, study, and practical application, leaders can grow in these areas, effectively ministering to their groups and glorifying God in their service.

1. Shepherding (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3) – Leaders must shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, serving as examples. This highlights the pastoral care aspect of leadership to tend, feed, and guide the group that God has given you. This kind of care requires careful preparation and trustworthy commitment.
2. Integrity and Accountability (Titus 1:7-9) – Leaders must be blameless and hold firmly to the trustworthy message. This does not mean sinless, but rather without reproach or not open to justifiable criticism. This highlights the importance of living a life that reflects biblical principles, both in private and in leading others.
3. Spiritual Maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14) – Leaders must be mature in their faith, capable of teaching others, and discerning good from evil. The Greek word for “mature” used here is “teleios,” which means complete, perfect, or grown up. Spiritual maturity involves a deep, personal relationship with God, a solid understanding of biblical doctrine, and a life that reflects Christ’s character.
4. Dependence on God (James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) – Leaders must embody a life of ceaseless prayer and reliance on God, drawing on the power of prayer—rooted in righteousness—to effectively guide and support their group. This commitment is foundational to spiritual leadership, emphasizing the active, powerful role of prayer in ministry.
5. Biblical Knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15) – Leaders must rightly handle the word of truth, implying a deep and accurate understanding of Scripture. The Greek term “orthotomeo” suggests cutting straight or rightly dividing, emphasizing the importance of accurate interpretation and application of the Bible.
6. Discipleship and Mentoring (Matthew 28:19-20) – Leaders are commissioned to make disciples, teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This involves mentoring and guiding members in their spiritual growth and development.
7. Ability to Teach (Colossians 3:16) – Letting the word of Christ dwell richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. The Greek word for “teach” here is “didasko,” implying instruction, impartation of knowledge, and guidance in living according to God’s word. Leaders must be able to communicate biblical truths effectively, facilitating growth and understanding within the group.
8. Honesty and Sincerity (2 Corinthians 4:2) – Leaders must prioritize honesty and transparency, steering clear of deceitful practices. By demonstrating vulnerability, they build trust and credibility, fostering a community where members feel safe to be sincere and open. This approach strengthens the group’s spiritual integrity and communal bonds.
9. Humility (Acts 20:35; Philippians 2:3) – Leaders must embody Christ’s humility and selflessness, prioritizing service over personal gain. They must support the weak and remember Jesus’ teaching: “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” underscoring generosity and valuing others above oneself, which is a true mark of servant leadership.
10. Hospitality (Romans 12:9-13; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 4:9) – Leaders must embody empathy and compassion, demonstrating kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and hospitality in practical and tangible ways. This fosters fellowship, strengthens community bonds, and models Jesus’ open heartedness towards others, which creates a supportive community that warmly welcomes all members.
11. Communication Skills (James 1:19) – Leaders must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Effective communication and active listening are crucial for fostering healthy group dynamics and understanding needs.
12. Discernment (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Leaders must seek God’s wisdom and direction rather than relying solely on human judgment. Discernment involves sensing the Holy Spirit’s guidance in decisions and understanding the needs and spiritual states of group members.
13. Conflict Resolution (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 18:15-17) – Leaders must demonstrate biblical conflict resolution in their own lives, through seeking private reconciliation and prioritizing making amends before worship. This leadership by example highlights forgiveness and restoration, which are necessary for healed relationships that are essential to fellowship and community health.

Practical Principles of Small Group Leadership

Maintaining a small Bible study group that promotes biblical growth requires consistent effort and organization. By integrating these daily, weekly, and monthly tasks, leaders can create a vibrant and growing Bible study group that not only delves deeply into Scripture but also builds a strong, supportive community of believers. Here are practical tasks that must be done regularly:

Daily Tasks

1. Prayer: Pray for each member by name, asking for their spiritual growth and any specific needs they may have.
2. Biblical Study: Spend time in personal Bible study to stay spiritually nourished and prepared to lead.
3. Communication: Send out daily encouragements or scripture verses via text or social media to keep the group engaged and spiritually focused.

Weekly Tasks

1. Planning the Study: Choose the Bible passage or topic for the week, ensuring it aligns with the group’s learning goals and spiritual needs.
2. Preparation: Study the chosen passage in-depth, prepare discussion questions, and consider practical applications for the group members’ lives.
3. Logistics: Confirm the meeting time and place, and make any necessary arrangements for seating, audio/visual equipment, or refreshments.
4. Outreach: Follow up with members who were absent in the last meeting and reach out to potential new members.
5. Mentoring: Schedule one-on-one meetings with group members who desire personal mentoring or are going through challenging times.
6. Feedback: After each meeting, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Solicit feedback from members on their experience and suggestions for future meetings.

Monthly Tasks

1. Training: Attend or conduct leadership training sessions to improve your facilitation and pastoral care skills.
2. Service Projects: Plan and execute a group service project that aligns with the group’s study themes, fostering practical application of biblical teachings.
3. Social Events: Organize a social gathering outside the regular study meetings to build relationships and foster community among group members.
4. Evaluation: Review the group’s progress in biblical knowledge, spiritual growth, and community impact. Adjust the study plan accordingly.

What are your thoughts? Please write to us or comment below.

Digging Deeper:

• How did the early church meet together? – If we lived 2,000 years ago, what would a church service look like? How did it work? Where did they meet? Could we do that?
• 6 important considerations for Bible study – Six important considerations for Bible study: seek the truth, revealed by God, living word, from God, it is correct, and it will change you.
• Growing from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ – The importance of growing in grace and knowledge from spiritual infancy to godly adult maturity as a Christian.
• Ten considerations before appointing church leaders – The importance of taking time to approve church leaders, which ensures godly, faithful, experienced, proven leadership.
• 6 Essential Elements of Fruitful Small Groups – Lewis Center for Church Leadership – Six elements that characterize effective small groups — prayer and scripture, Bible study, accountability, nurture and care, mission, and covenant.
• Essential Skills for Leading Small Groups | MinistryLift – Four categories of essential skills for leading a small group effectively: preparation skills, skills for leading a small group meeting, shepherding skills, and outreach/multiplying skills.
• Leading Small Groups: How to Gather, Launch, Lead, and Multiply Your Small Group by Chris Surratt – Regardless of whether you have never led a small group or have been leading one for years, all of us want to know how to create environments where spiritual growth takes place, and communities are changed. Leading Small Groups walks the reader through the stages of gathering, launching, leading, and multiplying a gospel-centered small group. There are also follow-up questions for discussion and reflection at the end of each section, and practical resources that can be implemented immediately by the small group leader.