For small group leaders
Everyone in our small group leader training session had been instructed to introduce themselves to five people before they sat down. Tony sheepishly extended his hand to me and with some embarrassment said, 'My name is Tony. I am just a small group leader.'
I looked him in the eye as I shook his hand. I smiled and replied, 'There is no such thing as just a small group leader. In God's eyes, small groups are a big priority and so are small group leaders.'
- Dave Early, founding pastor of New Life, Leading a Small Group, p. 9
We believe small group leaders are VERY important people at New Life! It is through small group leaders that we entrust the mission of shepherding our people, 5-15 at a time. We believe in the Priesthood of the believers. Ministry is in the hands of the people - not our pastors! Therefore we depend upon our leaders, not to simply be the priests, but to enable ALL of our people to live and learn to be priests to one another! Ministry is decentralized at New Life and small group leaders make it happen by not only being disciplers, but also raising up other disciplers who will do the same over and over again.
Here, you'll find tools that will help you lead well. In addition, we offer the following ways to help you as a leader get increasingly better at the extremely important task of leading your group. Our desire is for you to multiply yourself into the people you lead and the future groups they will lead as well.
Training for New Small Group Leaders - Offered 2-3 times a year, this is a 90 minute primer on small group basics. It's not only helpful for NEW leaders, but a great refresher for even long time leaders of the practices that will help you lead well. This is usually offered on a Sun morning during one of the Celebration times (9:00 - 10:30 or 11:00 - 12:30).
Small Group Leader CONVERGENCES - 6-7 times a year all of our small group leader "converge" for a time of training, encouragement, information and prayer. These meetings happen on Sunday afternoons, 5:00 to 6:30pm and childcare is always provided. The focus is always on PRACTICAL helps to better enable leaders to shepherd their small groups better and better.
Extended training time with a small group expert - Once a year we strive to provide specific training for our leaders (and future leaders) through small group experts. Stay tuned for details about the next opportunity!
Find a New Life small groups or Small Group Map.
