All too often a small group pastor or point person writes a long document describing and outlining the roles and responsibilities of those who coach his or her small groups. What church leaders often miss is that too much information and too many expectations can paralyze volunteers, even small group coaches.
Coaches have three primary responsibilities. If these three expectations are instilled in small group coaches much of what is necessary to be an effective coach can be accomplished.
1. Encouragement.
Everyone needs encouragement and affirmation. This motivates small group leaders as they shepherd the group they’re leading.
2. Accountability.
They must hold leaders accountable in healthy and honorable ways to accomplish what is required of them (as determined by the church leadership), journey with Christ consistently, and to shepherd his or her small group.
3. Availability.
People learn best when they have an issue they need help with. When a coach is known to be available and shares wisdom when a question or crisis arises, that coach will teach principles and practices that stick.
Rick Howerton has one passion — to see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.” He is pursuing this passion as the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway Church Resources.
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