8 Essential Components of Any Small Group Leaders Training

If companies provide training for employees, how much more important is it for the church to provide training for its frontline leaders?

By Ken Braddy

Pastors and church leaders know there’s a need to train Bible study group leaders, but sadly, many churches aren’t doing enough.

What do police, firefighters, lawyers, teachers, realtors, electricians, and hair stylists have in common? Their jobs require ongoing training. Nearly every job requires an employee to have regular, ongoing training.

If companies and other organizations provide ongoing training for employees, how much more important is it for the church to provide training for its frontline leaders who care for and teach the Bible to God’s people weekly?

Lifeway Research’s State of Groups study revealed more than 3 in 4 church leaders (76%) say they strongly agree or somewhat agree that they need to provide more training for group leaders.

“If companies provide ongoing training for employees, how much more important is it for the church to provide training for its frontline leaders who care for and teach the Bible to God’s people weekly?” — @kenbraddy Share on X

With the start of a new year around the corner, this is the time to do something about this need and launch ongoing training starting in January. As you do, give attention to these eight components of small group training that make it a successful ministry to your group leaders.

1. The right time

When it comes to a time for training, some will work better for your people than others, and only you will know which will be best. Should you carry out a training event on a Friday night or Saturday morning? Would your people prefer an event right after church on Sunday, or would they come back later in the afternoon, say around 5 p.m.? The wrong time will negatively affect attendance, so choose carefully.

2. The right topic

A second essential part of any training event is a relevant topic. We’ve all attended training events that didn’t meet our needs. When that happens, the host has to work twice as hard to get us to come back for another event. Survey your group leaders, talk with leaders from other churches to learn what topics they focus on, or lean on your staff to know their group leaders and the topics that would meet their needs.

3. The right duration

In my experience, two hours is the outer limit of a training event for group leaders. Anything longer runs the risk of being too much of a good thing, and something shorter, like an hour, doesn’t feel hefty enough. Ninety minutes is the least amount of time you should devote to any single training event.

4. The right details

Excellence is in the details. Pay attention to “the little things” that make or break a training event. These items include promotion of the event, reserving a right-sized room, requesting childcare, providing a good meal or snacks, buying name tags, AV equipment that’s in good working condition, and more!

5. The right tone

The State of Groups research found 77% of church leaders use their training time to encourage group leaders. Make certain group leaders feel appreciated and informed at any training event you plan.

“Make certain group leaders feel appreciated and informed at any training event you plan.” — @kenbraddy Share on X

6. The right format

There are currently five generations of group leaders in the church: the Silent Generation, baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. Each of these groups of people will have preferences when it comes to training.

According to Hadyn Shaw, author of Sticking Points, the Silent Generation may prefer in-person training and interesting lectures, while boomers prefer discussion-centered and interactive training. Gen X is much less tolerant of lectures and is quick to question the presenter’s credentials. Millennials like in-person training that is interactive. Gen Z prefers online training, and their number one source of training is YouTube.

When you plan training events, take these generational preferences into account and change things up to make sure you’re meeting the needs of all of your group leaders.

7. The right leader

As you plan your training event, consider the kinds of leaders available to your church. Your pastor or other staff leader may be the right person to deliver training on a particular topic. A ministry specialist in your denomination or network may be a good option or perhaps another staff leader from a sister church. You have many options, and the sooner you plan your event, the more likely you’ll be able to secure the assistance of someone from outside your congregation.

8. The right posture

Any training you provide for your group leaders must be bathed in prayer. God will guide your planning efforts, the choice of topics, guest speakers, and other aspects of your event. Seek to maintain a posture of dependence upon the Holy Spirit throughout the planning process.

You’re a busy church leader with many responsibilities between now and the end of the year. As you wrap up the year, make sure you plan a first-of-the-year training event for your group leaders. They’re counting on you to help them grow in their ability to lead in the classroom. It’s not too late to plan a great event to kick off the new year.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.