I remember feeling insecure, nervous, and excited the first night I hosted a small group Bible study. I had felt called to create an intentional space for people to talk about their faith, but I had no idea how to actually make that happen. Maybe you feel the same way right now—you’re thinking about starting a small group, or you’ve recently started one, but you don’t know what to do next.
As a new small group leader, you might wonder what resources to use, how to ask the right questions, or even what snacks to serve! These are great questions, but they don’t have to hold you back.
My goal is for you to leave this article feeling equipped and confident as a small group leader.
You’re Called and Equipped to Lead a Small Group
You have everything you need to lead your small group with courage and confidence.
I may not know you or your story, but I do know the Holy Spirit, who equips the people He calls. If you feel a prompting to lead a small group, then there’s a good chance that’s the call of God in your life.
I’m naturally a pretty introverted person, so inviting strangers to meet up and talk about Jesus can feel really awkward for me. But I also know outgoing people who’ve had similar hesitations or questions as they were getting started.
God doesn’t always call the equipped, but He always equips those He calls.
When I think back to when I first started leading a small group, I remember being encouraged by the knowledge that God doesn’t always call the equipped, but He always equips those He calls. The author of Hebrews shares similar encouragement:
Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV
If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or nervous about leading a small group, remember that, as a follower of Jesus, you are equipped through His Holy Spirit to do good works. You also have the support of the church affiliated with your small group. Consider connecting with a mentor or pastor if you have questions about getting started.
How to Create a Connection
An essential element of a small group’s success is the people in the group feeling seen and known. This often starts small and happens over time. But as the leader of a small group, you get to set the tone for how people are welcomed into your group.
As you prepare for your small group, consider ways you can create a comfortable environment for people to share and connect with one another. Here are some simple touches that can make a big difference:
- Make sure there’s a seat for everyone.
- Provide light snacks as people arrive.
- Ask icebreaker questions.
- Plan for unscripted hangout time.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t overthink creating connection. Instead, ask yourself these questions:
- When have I felt like I truly belonged at church or in a group of friends?
- What contributed to this feeling?
- How can I create a similar experience for the people who come to my small group?
What Should My Small Group Discuss?
Once everyone arrives and has had some time to get to know one another, you can get your Bible study conversation started. How you go about this is up to you, but it can be helpful to use content resources to guide your discussions each week.
Here are a few of my favorite resources for leading a small group with confidence.
1. Weekend Sermon Discussion Guides
My church provides a free weekly guide that’s designed to help groups have conversations about the weekend message.
This guide is helpful because it walks us through a series of questions that starts with an icebreaker, leads into reading Scripture, and ends with practical application and accountability to live out what we’re learning at church. If you want to find it, visit www.life.church/talkitover
If your church doesn’t have a resource like this, you can create your own as you engage with your weekend sermon.
As you listen to the message, take brief notes about anything that stands out to you as surprising, challenging, or new. Then discuss these things with your small group. You might even encourage the people in your small group to do the same. This will keep the conversation going and help everyone engage in a deeper way with the weekly message.
2. Books Written by Trusted Christian Authors
If your small group is interested in a deeper dive into a specific topic, consider reading a book together.
There are endless books on topics like spiritual growth, knowing God, Christian parenting, prayer, and more. The way you structure and pace your time each week will be up to you. For example, you might read a few chapters during the week and then talk together about what you’re learning when you meet.
To make it even easier, you might look for books that have discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Here are a few books that could work well for a small group discussion:
- I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t by Lysa TerKerust
- The Benefit of Doubt by Craig Groeschel
- Your Story Has a Villain by Jonathan “JP” Pokluda
3. Reading Bible Plans on the Bible App
For a shorter, more bite-sized approach to a book study, check out Bible Plans on the Bible App.
These Plans range from a few days in length to a few weeks (and even longer). When you find a Plan for your small group, choose the “With Friends” option and share the link with everyone.
Almost every Bible Plan has a daily devotional, verses to pause and meditate on, and an opportunity to share your reflections and takeaways with your group, directly in the app. When you gather together, you can use these seven questions to keep the small group conversation going.
Why Leading a Small Group Matters
The ultimate goal for your small group is for the people in your group to grow closer to Jesus together with others. And by creating a space for curiosity, discovery, and conversation, you’re providing them with a rich opportunity to do just that.
It’s good to be prepared, but don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as you’ve planned.
It’s good to be prepared, but don’t stress if things don’t go exactly as you’ve planned. God is working and moving in the messy, imperfect parts of everybody’s lives. And He’s building a spiritual community as you follow His call to lead a small group.
A Prayer for Before Your Next Small Group
If you’re still unsure or have hesitations or worries, try this prayer before your next small group.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the author of my life and the lives of those who come to my small group. Please help all of us to have a greater hunger and curiosity for You. Guide us as we seek more of You, and bring us closer to one another in an encouraging, uplifting community. I trust You with this small group and believe You’ve given me everything I need to get started. In Jesus’ name, amen.