5 Action Items Church Leaders Need to Know About Managing Small Groups Well

Small groups are the lifeblood of so many churches. They are an organic way to encourage deep relationships and spiritual growth that can be more difficult to achieve in a larger setting. As a church leader, your role in guiding and supporting small group leaders is so important for the strength and success of these groups and your church as a whole. Here are five essential things you need to know about managing small groups well.

1. Encourage Small Group Culture in Your Church

Make small groups an essential part of your church's culture so that they can truly thrive. This means more than just announcing them after the message or in the church newsletter. It means weaving the idea of small groups into your church's plan and purpose. When church members see small groups as a trusted avenue for discipleship, spiritual growth, and community, they are more likely to join in and stay connected.

Creating this type of small group culture begins with you as the church’s leader. It helps to share about the value of small groups and how true growth and relationship building happens in circles, not rows. Church small groups can make a safe space for people to share their lives, study the Word, and pray together in a more intimate setting. Encourage your small group leaders to share their experiences of being in a small group with the church.

Tithely Tip: Highlight how online giving for your church supports resources for small groups for everything from snacks to childcare. When people see the benefits of participating in a small group, they are more likely to join and invest in your church community.

2. Empower Your Small Group Leaders

Your small group leaders are the frontline workers of your church's ministry. They need to be equipped and empowered to shepherd their groups effectively. A few ways to empower your small groups leaders include providing them with the training, resources, and support they need to be successful. 

You can start with training sessions that cover topics like how to lead group discussions, how to handle group dynamics, and ways to promote spiritual growth. Teaching your small group leaders how to connect with their group members in person and through your church app helps them make strong connections in a variety of ways. This also helps keep small group members informed and feeling like they are part of something important. You may also establish a mentorship program where experienced small group leaders can help guide newer ones as they grow in their leadership skills.

Tithely Tip: Encourage donations to the church and through online giving with a dedicated fund for small groups. This can cover costs like books, providing childcare, or even hosting a group retreat.

3. Inspire Leaders to Lead with Passion and Purpose

Empowering your small group leaders goes beyond training — it’s also about fostering a sense of stewardship with their groups. When small group leaders feel a strong responsibility for their group, they are more likely to invest time and energy into helping the group thrive.

Encourage your small group leaders to take the initiative in tailoring their small group experience in fun and unique ways, from planning group activities to organizing community outreach efforts. You can also involve your small group leaders in church-level decision-making processes related to small groups. When they have a voice in the direction and focus of your church’s small group ministry, they become even more committed to helping it succeed.

Tithely Tip: Use your church app to provide your small group leaders with tools and resources that make planning easier. This can even inspire them to go above and beyond in creating a more vibrant and engaged community with their small group.

4. Keep a Finger on the Pulse of Your Small Groups

As a church leader, you want to stay connected and supportive by regularly checking in on your small groups. This doesn’t mean micromanaging! Instead, offer support and guidance to your small group leaders and make time to connect in meaningful ways. Regularly check in with your small group leaders to see how their groups are doing. You might want to ask about things like attendance, group dynamics, and any potential challenges they experience along the way.

You can also make space for feedback where small group members can share their experiences. You can do this through anonymous surveys or even conversation with small groups. Practicing open listening for the needs and concerns of your congregation will help you make informed decisions about your small group ministry.

Tithely Tip: Use your church app to communicate with your small groups. This can create an online space where group members can share updates, make prayer requests, and encourage one another throughout the week.

5. Celebrate Wins and Learn from Challenges Together

Celebrating the successes of your small groups helps keep the momentum going and enthusiasm for your church community. Consider ways to highlight the positive impact of small groups on your church members during services, in newsletters, and even through your church’s social media. Stories of transformation, spiritual growth, and community-building can be incredibly inspiring.

At the same time, it’s important to learn from any challenges that may come up. Not all groups will go totally smoothly or even be successful from the start, and that’s okay! Use these challenges as learning opportunities for both you and your small group leaders. Provide constructive feedback and support to help your small group leaders grow and improve.

Strengthen Your Small Groups with Tithely

At Tithely, we understand the importance of small groups for fostering spiritual growth and building a strong church community. Our platform offers a range of tools to help you support your small groups, from giving online to providing resources through your church app. We help you empower your small group leaders to create a culture of community.

Ready to take your small groups to the next level? Contact Tithely today to schedule a demo so you can learn how to manage and grow your small group ministry. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more connected church community!