An Essential Part of the Ministry Team
The small group leader has unique opportunities for ministry that are not available to other members of the leadership team.
One of the small group leader's most important responsibilities is to know the children in the group well enough to read their 'spiritual barometer'. Does a child need a friend or encouragement? What are personal questions the child has about becoming or being a Christian? Are there fears or struggles that could be blocks to spiritual growth? What truths from the lesson need clarification or reinforcement? Adult leaders must know the children and have a trusting relationship with them.
Leaders of preschoolers may focus on making sure children understand concepts or facts, retain information and focus on memorization. But, as children grow older, clear conversations about spiritual topics, questions and personal issues are vital. Growth is not only the result of developing head knowledge about the scriptures but also examining how the reality of God and His truth applies in their lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 assures us that scripture is adequate to do this task. The small group leader helps
children make the application. The small group leader is a shepherd for the children helping them see the reality of God and His answers to their fears, problems, frustrations and struggles. This understanding will promote significant Christian growth.
Another special role of the small group leader is helping children become accountable. Accountability helps children develop diligence and personal discipline. Helping children be accountable must be thorough, thoughtful and consistently carried out by interactions within the small group and with individuals. Memorizing scripture (including Fighter Verses), completing take-home sheets and behavior toward others are important accountability areas.
Another aspect of small group leadership is the opportunity to be a role model for the children. The small group leader will help children most by demonstrating godly responses in the way that they reprove, encourage, teach or correct. Small groups are a wonderful place to practice the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). We may teach as much or more by what we model as is taught by the content and activities we present during class.
Another responsibility of the small group leader is to maintain contact with parent(s). Talking with them after class and calling them are important. A parent may be very encouraged to know that someone else sees growth in his/her child. Use these opportunities as a helpful reminder to parents that the child needs more work on verses, reading or take-home sheets. It is helpful to both the parent(s) and the child to know the small group leader and that they desire open communication between the Sunday School class and the home.
Small group leaders MUST pray for group members and their families. What an encouragement to the children to know that their leader is praying for them!
Simply from spending time in your group, you will be aware of issues that need prayer. You may also want to solicit prayer requests, then follow up on them with individuals. This is another dimension of modeling. As the small group leader genuinely pursues prayer for group members and interacts with them, the children will see and experience the importance of prayer in the Christian life.
Small group leaders have abundant opportunities to make great personal impact on the child. Many small group leaders will leave life-long imprints on the children in their groups. Perhaps, in 15-20 years we may hear the words, "One of the reasons I am a Christian today is because I had a small group leader who loved God and loved me". May God place His hand of blessing on small group leaders so that they reap fruit one hundred fold and growing old, see scores of next-generation adults walking with God due to their faithfulness. God bless every one of you!