Lead Like Jesus: Principles For Small Group LeadersSample

INTRODUCTION

There’s something unique and special that happens in the course of a mentor/mentee relationship. It’s life-changing to be able to rely on someone older, wiser, or more experienced to guide us through tough times and love us in spite of ourselves. As a small group leader of kids or teenagers, you have the opportunity to be that person for your group (or as we might say, your few). You’re changing the world in big ways by leading small.

Think about it. Jesus was the most compelling speaker the world has ever seen. But He was also a small group leader to the handful of men He called to follow Him. The crowds that heard His teaching probably talked a lot about how He was a gifted storyteller and miracle maker. But to His disciples, He was a close friend, mentor, secret keeper, and meal sharer. That’s what leading a small group means. It means doing as Jesus did and investing in a few.

Is the experience of being a small group leader a perfect one? Hardly. It’s imperfect because you’re imperfect. And your kids or students are—as I’m sure you’ve already learned—imperfect. And the world is imperfect. But the good news is that community doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be authentic and consistent—a place where people can be themselves and are given opportunities to grow. That’s what Jesus did for His few. We encourage you to do the same for the kids and students in your small group. Investing in others—especially in the next generation—is the best way to love like Jesus.

Questions:

What has your experience been with mentors—whether in the church or outside of it? How have those relationships shaped your faith?

What made you feel called to invest in the next generation?