In every work of God, godly leaders must rely on the Holy Spirit. One of the areas of ministry present in most Bible-believing churches is in leading a small group. Different churches call this area of ministry by different names. At Lancaster Baptist, we have referred to it as Sunday school, adult Bible classes, and, most recently, connection groups. Whatever it is called, it provides a tremendous opportunity for Christians to hear Bible teaching and be mentored in spiritual growth. 

As my pastor, Paul Chappell, often tells our connection group leaders, this ministry is “the church organized to fulfill the mission of the church.” In other words, the basic, biblical functions of a local church can be carried out in an intentional, organized way through the small groups.

Two of those necessary areas are the teaching of God’s Word and the developing of disciples. Small group leaders must consistently seek the power and leading of the Holy Spirit in both of these areas. 

We know that biblical preaching and teaching is a necessity in the local church. Gospel preaching saves souls (1 Corinthians 1:21). Ongoing biblical preaching and teaching edifies the believer in Christ (2 Timothy 4:2). Pastors labor each week in study and travail over sermons that will exhort, instruct, and admonish both the sinner and the saint. Small group leaders must follow suit and be led by the Holy Spirit in their teaching and applying the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). 

Beyond the salvation of lost souls and the baptism of those converts, the church must be making disciples. Paul told Timothy, “ . . . the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). This process of discipleship is larger than a fourteen-week program. It is the pouring into lives through biblical teaching as we faithfully labor to mentor new leaders. Such questions as “Who can we take through discipleship?” or “In what area of church ministry is each group member serving?” or “Who in our group needs to be taught how to share the gospel with the lost?” or “Who in our group should be given the opportunity to disciple a new Christian?” need to be regularly asked and answered by the small group leader. 

So, knowing that we are to teach God’s Word and develop followers of Christ in our small group, how do we make decisions in these responsibilities? For instance, how do we determine which portion of or topic from Scripture to teach? How do we know who needs extra mentoring investments in a given season? 

We need the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let’s examine three ways through which the Holy Spirit may lead us in teaching and mentoring. 

Prayer

When considering what Bible message to teach, let us enter into prayer with God at the very beginning. Scriptures declare that “ . . . he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Class leaders must maintain a strong, growing relationship with the Lord. This can only come by the spiritual exercise of prayer and Bible reading. Diligent reading, meditating, and studying Scripture passages over time will be the basis of the Spirit’s direction. After all, the author of the Word of God is the Holy Spirit Himself (2 Peter 1:21). Ask the Lord what passage or topic He would have you to teach. The Holy Spirit will provide peace and assurance concerning your choice if you are walking with Him in fellowship each day.

In addition, praying for your class daily will only develop a Spirit-led approach to developing disciples. Pray for each member of your small group by name, and pray for your class prospects. As you pray, ask the Lord to show them their spiritual gifts and to give you discernment as you help them discover those gifts and use them in the church for Christ’s glory. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations during your meetings and fellowships. 

Pastor

Remember that small group leaders are just that—leaders of a smaller group of people who make up the church. And the church is led by the pastor. Paul told pastors, “Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers . . . ” (Acts 20:28). In your role as leader of a class, you are assisting the pastor of the church in “feeding the flock of God.” The Holy Spirit placed him in that office. 

Thus, as you are prayerfully selecting passages or curriculum to teach, inquire of your pastor what input he has. The small group complements the ministry of the congregation at large, and Bible instruction is given at the directive of the undershepherd. Ensure that the curriculum is approved by the pastor and that he is aware of what you are teaching. God will bless you and your class for following a Spirit-led man of God.

Since the class is a part of the congregation and the Holy Spirit has made the pastor the overseer and undershepherd, remember that no one in the church knows the spiritual temperature of the flock like the Spirit-led pastor. Wise is the small group leader who confers with his pastor concerning the people of his class and follows any direction he gives for reaching out to individual members. The larger the church, the more that the leader must keep the pastor informed of the spiritual progress that members of the small group are making. The Holy Spirit will use the position of the man who is the pastor and his God-given perception of people to give you guidance as you disciple members of your class (1 Peter 5:1–4).

People

Consider also the individuals who make up your small group. Be mindful of the spiritual needs of your group as you choose Bible curriculum. Remember, too, the life stage of your group, and teach lessons that provide practical application to their daily lives.

Additionally, consider the individuals of your group as you ask the Lord to guide you in investing into lives. Spend time with the members of your class in spiritual pursuits. Be thankful for each one, realizing that a sovereign God has brought them to your care. Go beyond your weekly meeting to plan activities, coordinate fellowships, involve in outreach, and offer hospitality. Making disciples is more than completing a series of lessons. That effort is a wonderful start. But training leaders is a lifetime commitment to develop others in accordance with 2 Timothy 2:2.

Being a small group leader is more than filling a podium once a week. It requires the filling of the Holy Spirit as we teach God’s Word and mentor those God has called us to serve. As we rely on the Holy Spirit through prayer, following the leadership He has given us through our church pastor, and intentionally engaging with those He has given us to lead, He will allow us to impact lives for His glory.