5. Someone else will call them.
Don’t assume that someone else is going to call and encourage your group members. Or visit them in the hospital. Or call them after a new job interview. Or text them after a test.
They’re not going to. You need to do the work of shepherding that’s vital for a group leader.
6. What they need is a ‘perfect’ leader. I probably shouldn’t confess my sins here.
Perfection in a small group leader isn’t what’s needed. And, in fact, group members will connect with you more over your struggles and difficult times than they ever will with you through your victories.
Be open and honest when you mess up.
7. Because I’m the leader, I should probably talk more.
No. No. No. The best group leaders listen way more than they talk. Listening, and giving an appropriate (rather than a forced, canned, expected) response is much more honoring, respectful and helpful.
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13)
8. Curriculum? Pssht! I got this!
Don’t think that curriculum is evil. It’s not. It provides a backdrop for your group to have a conversation about truth. It’s not the end-all-be-all for your group. But it helps keep you on track and moving forward.
Don’t think you’re “too good” for a focused study.
9. Evangelism? Nope.
Stop it. Quit thinking too narrowly about the Gospel. Too weakly about it. Too shallowly about the power of the Gospel to change lives. Stop it.
What other statements would you include that would destroy a small group?
