A Practical Guide for Ministry Leaders
As a ministry leader, one of the most important tasks you have is recruiting small group leaders. Small group leaders play a vital role in the growth and health of your church, as they shepherd, disciple and mentor others in their faith journey. But how do you go about finding and developing these leaders? In this practical guide, we will explore six steps that will help you identify and recruit small group leaders who are passionate about serving others.
Pray and Look Around You
The first step in recruiting small group leaders is to seek God’s guidance through prayer. Set aside dedicated time for prayer, asking God to guide you in identifying the potential leaders within your church. Ask for wisdom and insight to recognize the individuals whom God has already positioned for leadership roles. Ask Him to show you the people He has already placed in your path who have the potential to become leaders. Jesus encourages us to pray for laborers in the harvest (Matt. 9:38), and by doing so, we open our hearts and minds to recognize those whom God is calling to leadership.
Additionally, look for individuals within your church community who consistently attend, engage with others, and actively invite new people to church. These are the individuals who demonstrate a commitment to community and have a natural ability to connect with others. The writer of Hebrews urges believers to consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25), and these individuals are already living out that call.
Remember, the process of identifying potential leaders requires both observation and prayer. By actively engaging with your church community, seeking recommendations, and committing to prayerful discernment, you will be able to identify individuals who may have the potential to become small group leaders.
Speak Life into Attendees
Once you have identified potential leaders, it is essential to affirm and encourage them. Schedule a conversation with each individual to discuss her strengths and gifts. Share with her the specific qualities you see in her that makes her well-suited for leadership. Highlight the impact that she can make in the lives of others. The apostle Paul advised Timothy not to neglect the gift that was given to him (1 Tim. 4:14), and likewise, we should remind potential leaders of the unique gifts and strengths they possess.
During these conversations, emphasize how their gifts align with the vision and mission of your ministry. Help them understand how their leadership can make a difference and contribute to the overall goals of the church. Proverbs tells us that gracious words are like a honeycomb, bringing sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24). By speaking life into potential leaders, you are instilling confidence and motivating them to step into their calling.
- Be intentional: Show genuine interest in their lives, ask open-ended questions, and actively listen to their responses.
- Practice empathy: Show empathy and compassion towards others, seeking to understand their joys, struggles, and spiritual journeys. This creates a safe space for them to share and opens the door for deeper conversations.
- Be present: When engaging in conversations, be fully present and attentive. Avoid distractions and give your undivided attention to the person you are conversing with.
Partner with Other Ministries
Collaboration with other ministry leaders can be a valuable way to identify individuals with leadership potential. Reach out to other church leaders, pastors, or ministry team members. Share your desire to identify potential leaders and ask for their recommendations or insights. They may have observed individuals who exhibit leadership qualities or have a heart for ministry. Ecclesiastes reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor (Eccl. 4:9). Consider referring to the biblical qualifications for leaders outlined in passages such as 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. Look for individuals who align with these qualifications and exhibit characteristics such as faithfulness, servant-heartedness, and a desire to grow spiritually. By combining your perspectives, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential leaders within your church.
When approaching potential leaders, share the positive feedback you have received from their involvement in other ministries. Let them know that their contributions have not gone unnoticed and that their service is valued. The apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to build one another up and encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11). By partnering with other ministries, you are creating a supportive and affirming environment for potential leaders.
Launch New Leaders from Existing Groups
Attending a small group will change your life, leading a small group will change the lives of others.
Existing small group leaders can be a valuable resource in identifying individuals ready to take on leadership roles. Work closely with these leaders to identify attendees who demonstrate a commitment to their group and exhibit leadership potential. Proverbs reminds us to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). Similarly, by identifying and nurturing potential leaders within existing groups, you are setting them up for future success.
Once you have identified potential leaders, provide them with the necessary training and support. Offer mentorship, coaching and leadership development opportunities, where existing leaders can guide and support new leaders as they navigate their roles. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to entrust what he had learned to reliable people who would then be able to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). By investing in the development of new leaders, you are ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of your small group ministry.
Recruit to a Vision, Not a Job
When recruiting potential leaders, it is important to cast a vision for your ministry and emphasize how their leadership can contribute to that vision. Share with them the purpose and mission of your ministry, highlighting the impact they can have on others. The apostle Paul reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10). By emphasizing the purpose and impact of their leadership, you are inviting potential leaders to be a part of something greater than themselves.
Additionally, highlight the opportunity for potential leaders to influence others for Christ. Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). Remind potential leaders that by stepping into a leadership role, they have the privilege of participating in the Great Commission. They have the opportunity to impact lives, help others grow in their faith, and ultimately make a difference in the kingdom of God.
To practically recruit small group leaders based on this step, you can:
1. Clearly articulate the vision and mission of your ministry. Take time to clarify and communicate the purpose and goals of your ministry. This includes identifying the specific impact you aim to make and the values that guide your work.
2. Communicate the potential impact of leadership. Share stories and examples of how small group leaders have made a difference in the lives of others. Emphasize how their leadership can contribute to the growth and transformation of individuals and the community.
3. Personalize the invitation. Tailor your recruitment approach to each potential leader. Take into account the her interests, skills, and passions, and show her how her unique qualities align with the vision of the ministry.
4. Provide opportunities for involvement. Offer potential leaders a chance to experience the ministry firsthand. Invite them to attend small group gatherings, events, or other activities so they can see the impact and dynamics of the ministry for themselves.
Remember, recruiting to a vision means inspiring potential leaders to see themselves as part of a larger mission and inviting them to use their gifts and passions to serve and impact others. Together, let us press on in our mission, spreading the good news of the gospel, for the sake of others and to bring glory to God. As we run this race together, may we expand His kingdom and make a lasting impact.
Click on the image or text below to download a PDF with helpful questions to ask potential small group leaders.
ABOUT JACKIE AVILES
Jackie Aviles is an author, speaker, and licensed coach who communicates hope from a biblical perspective. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, she committed her life to standing beside those grieving through painful circumstances for the sake of others’ encouragement. Her passion is to see women taking God at His word, experiencing hope, and unleashing it into the spaces around them. She’s also a pastor’s wife and mom of two currently living in Miami, Florida.
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