Let’s face it—leading a small group can feel intimidating. You might be thinking, “I’m not an expert,” or “What if I can’t answer everyone’s questions?” Maybe public speaking just isn’t your thing, and the idea of leading any kind of discussion feels nerve-wracking. If that’s you, I completely understand. But here’s the good news: leading a small group doesn’t require you to be a scholar, a seasoned speaker, or a know-it-all. Instead, it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations, doing life with others, and fostering a supportive community.
If you are passionate about building relationships and growing in faith, you can lead a small group. It’s less about lecturing and more about facilitating. So let’s break down some practical tips on how to start, lead, and thrive in this kind of setting, and why it could be one of the best decisions you’ll make for your own spiritual growth.
Start with Something You’re Passionate About
The first step in leading a successful small group is to pick a topic or activity you genuinely care about. Maybe you love studying the Bible or digging into theology. Or perhaps you’re interested in practical topics like personal finance, career development, or mental health from a faith-based perspective. Your small group could even revolve around a shared hobby, such as hiking, book clubs, or community service projects.
The key here is passion. When you’re excited about the subject, your enthusiasm will naturally draw others in and create an inviting atmosphere. You do not have to be an expert, but your genuine interest will go a long way. People are often less interested in having all the answers and more interested in connecting and growing with others in an authentic way.
For example, I’ve seen groups where the leader was passionate about cooking, and they would meet to cook meals together, sharing devotionals during the process. The conversations that emerged while chopping vegetables and stirring pots were some of the deepest faith discussions they ever had.
Facilitate, Don’t Dominate
One of the biggest misconceptions about leading a small group is that you need to do all the talking. In reality, your role is more about facilitating the conversation than dominating it. Think of yourself as a guide, helping the group stay on track and encouraging everyone to share.
Ask open-ended questions to get people talking. Instead of asking yes-or-no questions, try asking, “What do you think this passage means?” or “How does this relate to your life?” When people share, follow up with thoughtful responses or additional questions that deepen the discussion.
And don’t be afraid of silence! Sometimes it takes people a moment to think before responding, and that’s okay. Let the group naturally unfold its thoughts and perspectives, and try not to feel pressure to fill every gap with words. Remember, your role is to make space for everyone to contribute.
Keep It Relational
A small group isn’t just a place for intellectual discussion—it’s a place to build relationships. Whether you’re discussing the Bible or working on a group project, the real magic happens in the friendships that form. Make time for connection.
At the start of each meeting, take a few minutes to check in with everyone. Ask how their week has been or what’s been on their minds. As people open up, you’ll notice the group dynamic shifting from just acquaintances to friends who are doing life together.
One group I know used to meet just to pray together each week. Over time, those moments of vulnerability created strong bonds, and the group became a lifeline for its members, supporting each other through challenges both big and small.
Plan, But Be Flexible
Having a basic plan or outline for each meeting is important to keep things on track. You might want to decide in advance what Scripture passage or discussion topic you’ll cover, what activities you’ll do, or how you’ll pray together. This gives the group some structure and ensures you have a focus for each session.
However, it’s just as important to be flexible. Sometimes the conversation will naturally veer off course—and that’s okay! If the group starts discussing a personal story or a question that wasn’t in your plan, let it happen. These moments of unexpected conversation can be where the deepest connections are made.
You Don’t Need All the Answers
One of the biggest fears people have when leading a small group is being asked a question they don’t know the answer to. Guess what? It’s totally fine not to have all the answers. No one expects you to be a theologian or Bible scholar.
When a tricky question comes up, be honest. Say something like, “That’s a great question, and I’m not sure. Let’s look into it together.” This approach opens the door for collaborative learning and shows that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Sometimes, the most profound insights come from these moments of shared curiosity.
Do Life Together
Ultimately, leading a small group is about doing life together—gathering with people who share your passions, growing in faith, and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. You don’t need to be a polished speaker or a theological expert; you just need to be willing to open your heart and create space for meaningful connection.
If you’ve been considering leading a group but feel unsure where to start, Adventist Young Professionals (AYP) offers a great opportunity. Whether it’s a Bible study, book club, or activity-based group, AYP can help you get started with the resources and community support you need. Visit AYP.me/Apply/Groups to learn more.
So, take the leap—whether with friends, through your local church, or as part of AYP. Leading a small group is a powerful way to deepen relationships, faith, and community. It’s an experience that will enrich not only your life but the lives of those around you.
Kayla Goodman, AYP Chaplain, contributed to this post.
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