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Leading an LH Group can be intimidating! It can be hard to know what to do to make your group a success. That’s why we are here to help! Whether you’re a brand new leader or a seasoned vet, the six steps below will help you ensure you’re doing your part to make your group a great experience for everyone.
1. Pray for the meeting
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Take a moment to pray that Jesus will do incredible things in the hearts of your group members. Trust that he loves your members even more than you do and ask him to move in their hearts as you name them one by one.
2. Prepare the space
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2.
Being hospitable by preparing the space in which your group will meet can go a long way towards making people feel comfortable enough to open up. Consider the lighting and the aroma of the space. Where will people congregate? Who will greet them when they enter? Will you provide food or coffee? Do you have enough chairs? A little forethought goes a long way to make people feel welcome.
3. Position your heart
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." John 20:15-17
Don’t forget, the primary purpose of an LH Group is to feed Jesus’ sheep. Prior to starting your group each week, make sure your heart is in the right place. Confess any sin. Ask God for wisdom to communicate truth and hope as well as the ability to see the needs and hurts of others. And remember to thank Jesus for the honor he has given you of feeding his flock!
4. Plan the conversation
What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 1 Cor. 14:26
The best LH Groups feel like conversations, not lectures. To make sure the conversation is helpful, you should determine a few things before your group starts. Where will the conversation begin that night at your group? Where do you want it to end? Can you foresee any objections or questions based on the topic at hand? How will you draw people out that don’t open up easily? How will you reel the conversation back in when you go down a rabbit hole? Again, a few minutes of preparation will make the art of group conversation proceed much more smoothly.
5. Provide for connection
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
In this passage, Paul compares the church to a body. Every part of your body has multiple points of connection, not just one! Make sure your group has opportunities to connect in other ways besides just your meeting night. Go on a hike, have a game night, go to a restaurant. You don’t even need to lead or even attend all these events! The key is finding ways to let the relationships in your group grow deeper.
6. Pursue new leaders
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2
From the first meeting of your group you should be looking for future leaders. Here a few questions to help you find one. Who frequently participates in conversation? Who connects easily with others? Who do people listen to when they speak? Who do you click with and enjoy being around? Who steps up to the plate when tasks need to be done? Once you answered these questions PURSUE the potential leaders. They probably won’t pursue you. It’s your responsibility to multiply your leadership!
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