By: Cindy Beall

So you’re a LifeGroup leader, and you want to be a good one. Well, the good news is that when you make investments into yourself as a leader, you will become great. Not perfect and not without flaws, but a great leader.

As a leader, you can only take people as far as you’re willing to go yourself.

Here are five things you can do to help you become a great LifeGroup leader:

1. Fill up. As a leader, you can only take people as far as you’re willing to go yourself. If you are in an unhealthy place, your group will likely follow. So, it’s vital that as leaders, we pursue spiritual growth and health so that we can impact those in our wake. We must spend daily time pursuing Jesus by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Let’s ask God to help us cultivate a heart that worships in all our daily endeavors.
2. Be real. Pastor Craig says, “People would rather follow a leader who is always real than one who is always right.” You and I do not have it all together. We make mistakes. So, it’s okay to let our LifeGroup know when things aren’t going the way we hoped. You don’t have to go into great detail, but share enough so that your group knows life is hard for you right now. That’s life. Leaders are still human. When you open up, you’ll be amazed at what your vulnerability breeds in your group.
3. Keep growing. Find other leaders around you whom you respect and look up to. Ask them what they do to grow in their faith and if they have any suggestions for you as a leader. Read books. Listen to podcasts. Look for opportunities to push yourself to become better in every area of your life.
4. Always adapt. A good leader will be able to sense when there is a need for change. Maybe you’ve spent the first several months doing a Bible study and now you notice people aren’t coming as often. Or maybe they are more likely to share their thoughts when the discussion is centered around applying the weekly message. Be sensitive to the needs in your group and be willing to adjust throughout the different seasons.
5. Encourage daily. As a LifeGroup leader, you have the awesome opportunity to invest in the people under your leadership. Send text messages letting them know you are praying for them. Meet with them one-on-one and get to know them better. Let your group know that you see them and notice their struggles. Sometimes all our people need is to know that they are seen and heard.

There is no one way to lead a LifeGroup. Leaders are different, and that is what makes LifeGroups so beautiful. We get to bring in our unique gifts and talents and impact those God has placed in our groups. Cultivate that and allow God to use you beyond your imagination.