How to Start a Thriving Small Group: A Step-by-Step Guide

Small groups—whether you call them crew nights, circles, pods, or huddles—are essential for fostering spiritual growth and community within the Christian walk. A small group gathering allows us to learn about Jesus together, celebrate life’s highs, and navigate its lows with the support of others.

If you’ve been part of a small group before, you’ve probably experienced both the good and the not-so-good. Some groups leave you feeling uplifted and connected, while others, well, you might have found yourself making excuses to avoid attending. Remember that Tuesday night, you suddenly had to clean out your closet? Yep, we’ve all been there!

But here’s the thing: small groups have the potential to be life-changing when they’re thoughtfully and intentionally led. If you’re unsure how to start your own, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. After leading my fair share of small groups and making plenty of mistakes along the way, I’ve put together this guide to help you knock it out of the park with your first successful small group.

The In’s and Out of Starting Your First Small Group

1. Know Your “Why” for Starting a Small Group

Before you dive into planning, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of your small group. Small groups provide a community-oriented way to disciple others, helping them take one step closer in their walk with Jesus. This is how we fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20) on a personal level.

Beyond that, leading a small group allows you to develop your speaking and leadership skills in a safe environment. Think of it as a training ground where relationships are built, not on a stage, but around a table.

2. Commitment to the Small Group is Key

Set expectations from the start. Decide on the number of weeks your group will run—6-8 weeks is a good starting point—and ask your members to commit to that timeframe. Choose a consistent day, time, and location, and stick to it. Even if only one person can attend, hold the meeting and share the notes with the rest of the group. Consistency is vital for a thriving group.

On your end, commit to:

• • Consistency in meetings
  • Clear communication of expectations
  • Preparing teaching materials with excellence
  • Starting and ending on time
  • Creating a warm and welcoming environment

On their end, ask for:

• • Commitment to the group’s schedule
  • Engagement and participation
  • Reading and purchasing the necessary materials
  • Respect for the group’s culture and community

3. Choose the Right Setting

Selecting the right location is critical for a successful small group. Whether it’s your living room, a coffee shop, or a church classroom, make sure the setting is comfortable and conducive to discussion.

4. Small Group Structure Will Bring Success

A well-structured meeting keeps your group on track and makes the best use of your time. Here’s a sample hour-long structure:

• • 10 minutes: Welcome and catch up
  • 15 minutes: Teaching
  • 30 minutes: Discussion
  • 5 minutes: Prayer requests and praise reports

You can extend the time by adding a meal or playing group games.

5. Facilitate Engaging Discussions

As the leader, your role is to guide the discussion. Ask thought-provoking questions, address misconceptions, and encourage everyone to share. Set the tone early by explaining how you want the discussion to flow—whether giving each person a specific amount of time to speak or making sure quieter members have a chance to contribute.

It’s also important to establish trust within the group. Remind everyone that what’s shared in the group stays in the group. Gossip and slander have no place here. Your group should be a safe space where everyone feels supported and prayed for.

6. Pick the Right Curriculum

The curriculum you choose can make or break your group. Select materials that align with your group’s goals and are accessible to everyone. Here are some of my top recommendations:

• • Biblical Literacy: Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin
  • Releasing Women in Ministry: Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland
  • Discipleship: Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden

7. Make the Ask

Inviting people to join your small group can be intimidating, but clarity is your best friend. Be upfront about the group’s expectations and the benefits of participating. Pray for guidance on who to invite, and don’t be afraid to ask people you believe in or see potential in.

Consider asking 1-2 girls to assist you as co-leaders. They can help with the logistics, invite others, and share the leadership load. Remember, you’re not just leading; you’re also training others to lead.

8. Delegate Roles

To prevent burnout and ensure the group runs smoothly, delegate specific roles to your members. Here are a few ideas:

• • Logistics Coordinator: Manages communication and attendance.
  • Setup and Cleanup: Ensures the space is ready before and after meetings.
  • Snack Coordinator: Organizes refreshments and meals.
  • Social Coordinator: Keeps the group fun and connected outside of meetings.
  • Prayer Leader: Leads the group in prayer and focuses on spiritual growth.

9. Embrace the Rewards

Leading a small group is hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable. You’re partnering with God in Kingdom work that has eternal significance. As you pour into others, you’ll grow in unexpected ways.

And don’t forget—if you feel called to speak or lead in any capacity, we’d love to support you through our community and training. Join us for The Echo Weekend, a three-day, hands-on, interactive training designed to help you grow in confidence and leadership.