Small Group Leader Resource Guide
Small Groups exist to help people build life-giving relationships and experience the life God created them to live. Use this guide to prepare, lead and care for your group well.
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Three resources leaders use most often.
Common Questions
Find answers about recruiting, meeting locations, curriculum and caring for people.
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Life change happens in the context of relationships. Small Groups make meaningful relationships accessible and help people experience freedom, care and spiritual growth.
Why Small Groups exist
Every healthy group should help people connect, protect and grow.
A place to belong
People build genuine relationships, share life and grow in faith together.
A place to be cared for
People receive prayer, encouragement and support through real-life seasons.
A place to take next steps
People become more like Jesus and discover the potential God placed within them.
Leading your group
Open a section when you need practical direction.
What can a Small Group look like?
Your life can become your group. Heartland uses a free-market approach, which means groups can form around activities, interests, seasons of life or Bible studies.
Groups may include sports, lunch, parenting, students, creative arts, outreach, Bible study and many other interests.
How to start a Small Group
- Ask God for direction about what group to lead and who to invite.
- Choose your topic or activity, meeting place and meeting time.
- Register your group so people can find it in the online directory.
- Personally invite people you know to visit your group.
- Pray for God to work through your group.
How to prepare for your first meeting
- Message members with a reminder before the meeting.
- Arrive early and create a welcoming environment.
- Consider using name tags during the first few weeks.
- Prepare a few simple conversation starters.
Conversation starters
- What are your hobbies?
- What are you looking forward to this year?
- What are you hoping to gain from this Small Group?
- How can the group pray for you?
Your role as a Small Group Leader
Your primary role is to help people take next steps in their walk with God. Members may be ready to attend church, read the Bible, pray, be baptized, complete Growth Track, join the Dream Team, begin giving or eventually lead a group.
You are also helping Heartland’s pastors and staff care for people.
How to pray for your group
- Pray for requests shared by group members.
- Ask for the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Pray that hearts will be open to God’s truth.
- Pray for authentic community to develop.
- Ask God for wisdom and strength to lead well.
How to create healthy group dynamics
- Set expectations: explain the schedule, format and how members can participate.
- Use the 70–30 rule: members should do about 70% of the talking.
- Keep discussion positive: redirect negative or destructive conversations.
- Stay relevant: avoid assuming everyone knows church language.
- Respect boundaries: maintain integrity and appropriate ministry relationships.
- Stay connected: respond to your Coach and Small Groups team.
Leadership support and your Coach
You are not leading alone. Heartland’s pastors, staff, Small Groups team and your Coach are here to help you throughout the semester.
Your Coach’s first priority is to pray for you. Contact your Coach when you have a need, prayer request or concern.
A healthy group meeting
Every meeting should include these four simple elements.
Casual Fellowship
Give people time to talk, connect and get to know one another.
Activity or Discussion
This may be an activity, outreach project, book or message discussion.
Prayer
Share prayer requests and pray together at the beginning or end.
Spiritual Component
Include God’s Word, a Scripture, testimony or something God is teaching you.
You are never alone in leading.
Reach out to your Coach or the Small Groups team whenever you need prayer, guidance or help caring for someone in your group.