The Big Idea Diminishes People’s Fears of Leading a Small Group

One of the greatest challenges in launching new groups and keeping existing groups healthy and growing is identifying and recruiting potential small group leaders. We have found that the most common fears among potential small group leaders are the following:

“I don’t know enough about the Bible.”

“I don’t have enough time to be a good leader.”

“I’ve never thought of myself as a leader.”

The weekend prior to the launch of every Big Idea series, we publish a small group discussion guide with a small group lesson that parallels each week’s topic in that Big Idea series. Developing these discussion guides and making them available to our leaders significantly reduces their insecurities regarding leading. The Bible verses for discussion are included in the discussion guide, and the lessons require minimal preparation with helpful insights and directions for the leaders. (See the appendix for a link to a sample Big Idea small group discussion guide.)

Ferguson, D., Ferguson, J., & Bramlett, E. (2009). The big idea: focus the message---multiply the impact. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

If you need help with custom lessons for your church, please contact me. josh@joshhunt.com 575.650.4564

-- Josh Hunt