Encouragement and Renewal for Leaders
Leaders often bear the emotional load of keeping small group ministry during the holidays alive. But remember: you don’t have to do it all. The goal isn’t to create flawless programming—it’s to help people encounter God in simple, meaningful ways.
If you feel weary, take a cue from the season itself. Christmas reminds us that God entered our world quietly, humbly, in the middle of life’s chaos. The same God who orchestrated that holy night can sustain your group through December. Slow down. Pray. Trust Him with the outcomes.
As pastor and author Eugene Peterson once said, “The spiritual life cannot be made suburban. It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.” Let your leadership reflect that freedom. Be flexible, gentle, and Spirit-led.
Creative Ways to Keep the Spirit of Community Alive
Here are a few extra touches that can make the holidays memorable for your group:
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Exchange small, handwritten notes of encouragement.
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Take a group photo and share a digital Christmas card with your church.
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Have each person bring a story of God’s faithfulness from the past year.
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Invite new guests who may be lonely or disconnected during the season.
These gestures don’t require elaborate planning, just intentional hearts. When community feels warm and genuine, people will prioritize it—even amid holiday chaos.
As you plan your small group ministry during the holidays, remember this truth: connection matters more than consistency. Don’t measure success by how many times you meet, but by how well your members remain spiritually and relationally cared for.
RELATED: Small Groups in the Holidays – 5 Ways Forward
Ask God to show you one or two simple ways to keep your group engaged. Then, lead with peace, not pressure. The holidays can be sacred ground for spiritual growth if we pause long enough to see God at work in ordinary moments.
Your group doesn’t need to survive the season—it can thrive through it. By leading with grace, flexibility, and intentional love, you’ll help your people experience Emmanuel, “God with us,” in a fresh and personal way. And when January comes, your group will be ready to grow again—stronger, closer, and more deeply rooted in Christ.
