Lead Like Jesus: Principles For Small Group LeadersSample

MOVE THEM OUT (and engage them in a bigger story)

The disciples’ lives were changed because of their time with Jesus. I’m sure you know the feeling. True encounters with Jesus change us, and it changed them too. But it wasn’t until after Jesus’ time on earth was finished that they put everything they had learned from Jesus into action and began to be the Church. And maybe they wouldn’t have if He stayed behind to hold their hands. Maybe they wouldn’t have if He didn’t say, “I’m leaving, but I’m sending someone to take my place. And He’s going to take you even further.” You love your few, but the truth is that you aren’t going to be their SGL forever.

You’ll pass the baton at some point—to other SGLs, teachers, neighbors, cool uncles, and even the global Church. And this is good. It’s right. There’s a big ol’ world out there waiting for your few to learn from it and contribute to it. And you’ll say to your few, “Jump. Don’t worry. These are your people. They’ll catch you. They’ll support you, so take courage.” It’s a natural part of their journey of faith. And their journey won’t be as engaged or engaging as it can be if it’s limited to you and your specific group. 

Jesus knew what needed to happen. His disciples needed to be pushed out of the nest in order to test out the strength of their wings. Just like Jesus did, move your few to whatever or whoever is next. Move them toward other leaders and friends that will influence and challenge them. Move them toward experiences that will change them and expand their abilities to empathize and love. Move them to be the Church and not just to attend one. Move them out and engage them in the bigger story. This is what raising up the next generation looks like.

Questions:

Why do you think God put inside us the desire for significance—both in our actions and in who we are? How do we balance that with pursuing humility too? And how can you teach that to your few?

What transitions are coming up in the lives of your few? How can you help to celebrate those changes and move them toward what’s next?