Train Group Leaders

Why Leaders Need Training

Nurture and discipleship groups are only as effective as the leaders who facilitate them. Investing time and energy in training these leaders is one of the most important steps you can take in building a healthy discipleship pathway.

Good group leaders don't just know the Bible—they know how to create safe spaces for honest conversation, how to listen well, and how to guide without controlling.

What Leaders Need to Know

When training leaders for nurture or discipleship groups, cover these key areas:

The Purpose of the Group

Ensure leaders understand that nurture groups are not Bible studies in the traditional sense. They're spaces for new believers to ask questions, explore faith, and grow in relationship with God and with one another.

The goal is not to transmit information but to facilitate spiritual formation and community.

Facilitation Skills

Teach leaders how to:

• Ask open-ended questions that invite reflection and discussion
• Listen actively without interrupting or jumping to answers
• Create space for quieter members to contribute
• Manage dominant voices gently and respectfully
• Handle disagreement with grace and humility

Handling Difficult Questions

New believers will ask hard questions. Leaders need to know that it's okay to say, "I don't know," and to model honest exploration rather than pretending to have all the answers.

Provide leaders with resources they can refer to when questions arise that they're not equipped to answer.

Pastoral Care and Boundaries

Group leaders are not pastors or counsellors. Help them understand:

• When and how to refer someone to clergy or professional support
• The importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries
• How to handle confidentiality and safeguarding concerns

Building Community

Nurture groups work best when participants feel safe, known, and valued. Teach leaders how to:

• Create a welcoming, hospitable atmosphere
• Encourage participation without pressure
• Build trust and authenticity within the group
• Foster friendships that extend beyond group meetings

Ongoing Support for Leaders

Training doesn't end after a single session. Provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with leaders to see how they're doing
• Group leader gatherings where they can share experiences, challenges, and encouragement
• Access to resources like study guides, books, and online materials
• Prayer and pastoral care for leaders themselves—they need spiritual nourishment too

Qualities to Look For

When recruiting group leaders, look for people who:

• Are mature in their own faith
• Listen well and create space for others
• Are humble and teachable
• Have a heart for new believers
• Are committed to prayer and personal spiritual growth