Being a Small Group Leader

by Richard Sweatman

What makes someone a good small group leader?
A comprehensive knowledge of the Bible? The wisdom that rivals Solomon's? Exceptional people skills? Or is willingness and availability enough?
In Being a Small Group Leader Richard Sweatman brings the Bible and his years of small group ministry experience to the task of highlighting five vital areas in which we need to keep growing as Christian leaders:
- Knowledge of God
- Character
- Teaching ability
- Encouragement of others
- Team leadership

Whether you've been leading a small group for days or decades, you'll find warm encouragement to identify areas in which you can improve, and you'll be challenged and helped to make realistic plans for doing so.
This book is also a useful resource for pastors to work through in talking with those who might take up this valuable ministry in the future.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Church, Christian Non Fiction, Discipleship

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Fiona Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and very clear resource to equip anyone starting out as a small group leader or those wanting to refresh their thinking. Richard helpfully goes through key convictions, godly characteristics and practical skills to develop as a Christian leader and teacher of the Bible. I’ve been leading for many years but still find it a great resource to come back to and use in discussions with co-leaders.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished reading this book, and excited to read through it again with a new bible study leader. It hits the spot on not being too "book-ish" so very easy to pick up, but helpfully explaining 5 key things about being a small group leader:

- Knowledge of God
- Character
- Teaching Ability
- Encouragement of Others
- Team Leadership

I look forward to going through the discussion questions and see how I can grow in those 5 things too.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Matthias Media books are some of the most practical and helpful resources that I know of.

Never glamourous. But, always expositional. Level-headed. Christ-exalting.

This little book is just that. Knowledge of God, character, teaching ability, encouragement, and team leadership. I'll be thinking of how I can use this book in my campus ministry.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trouble with buying things on Kindle is that you're never sure how big it'll be! This book was solid but was hoping for a bit more instruction on the practicalities and skills needed to run a small group well. Still, helpful emphasis on the primacy of character and some good broad outlining of what a healthy group looks like, so I'd be very happy to recommend this to someone thinking about leading a small group.

[Irvin Quimbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good, and it offered good advice for our small group leaders. Chapter three was not useful for us since our SGL is considered more of facilitators than teachers. And some verses I did feel that did not fit properly into the context. But overall, it was a good book. The author was simple to understand and got the point across!

[Lucy Langfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short, concise book is filled with small group leading gold! It really helpfully highlights the character, knowledge of God and skills a small group leader should grow in. I oversee Growth Groups at my church and I’ve bought a copy of this book for every growth group leader. It’s a must have resource!

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful short book to encourage or train small group leaders. A good balance — high standards to aspire to but with a hopeful, realistic and encouraging tone.

[Danny Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweatman writes a solid little book. If you like nuts-and-bolts guides, this is for you. This is especially useful if your church has no program for small groups, or if it has programs and no expectations for the leaders. Sweatman points out what it takes to be someone who leads a small group and touches on knowledge of God, character, teaching ability, encouragement of others, and team leadership. A basic but worthwhile read

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s nothing earth-shatteringly new, but for a brief introduction in thinking about the personal characteristics of a small group leader, the book achieved its goal. It would be a great and easy book to give to a brother or sister thinking about leading a group for the first time.

[Chris Delany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, nice overview of what someone should have to be a small group leader
- Knowledge of God, Character, Ability to Teach, Ability to Encourage, Team Leadership

Personally, I would like to press in more to the encouragement piece.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthias Media does it again. Richard Sweatman gives five competencies for being a small group leader and shows that they are accessible to those ready to engage.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Matthew Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I don't need to change and have been affirmed of my perfection towards small group leading. Thanks Sweaters

[Wayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not find this small book on being a small group leader very helpful. Though the book seemed to be an attempt to provide an introductory framework for thinking about the core competencies of a small group leader--he identifies five: knowledge of God, character, ability to teach, encouragement of others, and being a team leader--the material was so basic that it did not add very much to my thinking on the subject.

It would seem that anyone who is considering being a small group leader would find the material to be merely review and not particularly insightful. For this reason, I gave it two stars and would direct people to other resources if they are looking to learn how to lead a small group.

[Tim Liddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my home group to read this book

[Harrison Vesey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful little read for anyone considering being a growth group leader, or those already doing it who want some basic principles to work on.