Group Leader Guidelines

• Assume leadership and welcome the group each week to a place prepared for them.
• Be faithful in prayer for your own growth as well as each member’s growth.
• Honor members by starting and ending on time.
• Seek to establish a culture of grace in your group as you overflow love and grace to
group members.
• Facilitate the discussion so that each member’s voice is heard regardless of his or
her level or spiritual maturity.
• Take special care with questions that might prompt controversy or confusion. Seek
God’s wisdom as you prepare.
• When things don’t go well, learn to forgive yourself quickly and make note of the
things to do differently next time.
• If you sense the discussion drifting away from the truth, clearly and simply state
the truth and move on.
• If you don’t know an answer, say so.
• Invest in the lives of your group members as much as is possible.
• Begin early to look for and encourage other possible leaders to work alongside you.
• Encourage transformation by challenging group members put into practice what
they learn in the study.

Manage “Talkers”

• Remember: You are in charge of this group – don’t let the talkers take over.
• Encourage the talker to sit next to you; lack of direct eye contact may help.
• If appropriate, put your hand on his or her arm with it’s time for the to be quiet.
• You might say “I want to hear from a new voice on this question.”
• Go around the circle, letting each person answer questions in turn.
• Call on someone to answer each question.
• If none of this works, you can talk to him or her after class. Suggest they select two
or three questions they want to share on, and then let others answer.

Encourage the “Timid”

• A simple question around the circle at the start of each group gathering can often
help a shy person find their voice.
• People new to Bible study may be unsure of their answers. Begin by calling on
them for short answers occasionally.
• Ask them for an opinion. Shy people often have deep, firm opinions.
• Be a little protective, but encourage them to participate.