3 Essential Steps to Successfully Lead a Small Group

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” ​Proverbs 16:3

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” Heb. 10:24

Leading a small group Bible study can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. If you're stepping into this new role, you might be wondering how you can plan effectively so that your group runs smoothly and fosters a deep connections with God and other believers. I have found that good preparation is the key to reducing anxiety and ensuring that your group is both spiritually enriching and well-organized. Today, let's look at three essential steps to help you successfully lead your small group.

1. Start with Prayer and Vision

Before diving into the logistics, take time to pray over your group. Ask God for guidance, wisdom, and clarity as you prepare to lead. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Your vision for the group should align with God's purpose, so seek His direction in setting goals and defining the group's mission.

Questions to Consider:

• What is my vision and God’s purpose for this group?
• How can this group encourage spiritual growth and deeper faith?
• What are the specific needs of the members of this group?

2. Plan the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where & Why

Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to map out the details:

• Who: Identify who will be in the group. Are there specific people you feel led to invite?
• What: Decide on curriculum—Is there a specific book, Bible study, or devotional you'll use?
• When: Schedule the meetings. Will they be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly?
• Where: Choose a location. Will it be at your home, a church, or another venue?
• Why: Remind yourself of the purpose behind your meetings. What do you hope to achieve?

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Read through God's Word in a year with Sweeter Than Honey

“As the leader of a small group journeying through Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey this year, I can confidently say this study has been nothing short of life-changing. We are on the brink of wrapping up our exploration of God's Word together, and the impact has been profound. Utilizing the free media kit to spread the word about our small group, we encouraged everyone to find an accountability partner, and the discoveries we've made are nothing short of extraordinary. When I encouraged my group to read God's Word like a love letter, expecting daily guidance, we found peace in chaos and strength for weaknesses. The Bible, alive and relevant, became a source of inspiration for our everyday lives. Even on our busiest days, we carved out precious moments to refocus on what's truly important. Getting up a bit earlier or staying up a few minutes later became a small sacrifice for the immense gain we experienced. And now, as we approach the end, we're already talking about reading through the Bible with the Sweeter Than Honey plan, again, next year! That’s how impactful this study has been....Through this journey, the girls in our group gained clarity, understanding that God sees them, knows them intimately, and cares about every detail of their existence. His love letter became a tangible reality. To those considering this devotional journey—be intentional. Gather your girls and dive into God's Word together. There's truly nothing like it. You can do this, and the rewards are beyond measure!” —Sarah

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON [HARDCOVER | PAPERBACK | KINDLE | AUDIOBOOK]

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3. Create Discussion Questions and a Schedule

Preparation goes a long way in ensuring that your small group meetings are productive and meaningful. After selecting your content, spend time developing discussion questions or talking points that will encourage conversation and reflection. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Always use Scripture as the foundation for your discussions and as much as possible, lead people to the cross!

Here are a few additional tips you may find helpful:

• Organize a snack sign-up: Provide a space for group members to volunteer to bring snacks, ensuring everyone feels involved.
• Create a group roster: Keep track of contact information, prayer requests, and praise reports.
• Planning and reflection: Prepare for each meeting with the intent of reflecting afterward on how the session went. Make notes that will help you strengthen your meetings as you go along.
• Icebreaker Questions: Have a few on hand to get the conversation flowing, especially in the first few meetings.
• Scripture for Encouragement: Leading a small group can sometimes be challenging. Keep a list of encouraging Bible verses handy for those moments when you need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and strength.

Leading a small group or Bible study is an incredible opportunity to guide others in their spiritual journey while growing in your own faith. With intentional prayer, planning, and preparation, you’ll be equipped to lead with confidence. Remember, God is with you every step of the way, friend!

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

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Your Ultimate Planning Guide for Leading Small Groups & Bible Studies

Are you preparing to lead a small group or Bible study? Not sure what even goes into planning a group that will run smoothly and cultivate connection? Wondering how to go about effectively planning for your group—making sure you've got content and a schedule and contact information and questions for discussion and all the things? Would being super prepared and ready when your members show up relieve some of that anxiety and fear? It would, and this resource from Faithfully Planted is for you!

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Are you ready to make an intentional plan to lead an effective small group or Bible study? Dive in with confidence, friend, and watch how God works through your faithful leadership!