Leading a small group is time-consuming, emotionally draining, and sometimes downright overwhelming. There will be those times when a group leader wants to bail. If you are a group leader in this situation you might want to consider the questions below.
- If I leave this group at this time, is there anyone else who can effectively lead it?
- If I leave this group at this time, am I leaving someone during a time of crisis?
- If I leave the group at this time, am I creating an unstable environment when some group members or a married couple need stability?
- If I leave the group, will those who are allowing me to disciple them continue on their journey to maturity?
- Am I leaving the group because there are family issues or work issues that must be my priority at this time? Or am I leaving because I no longer want the responsibility of leading a group?
- If I were to delegate some responsibilities, could I stay in the game?
- Have I prayed about giving up group leadership?
- If I leave the group leadership role, am I being disobedient to God’s expectations of me?
There will be times when giving up group leadership is important and necessary. Do so after careful consideration.
Rick Howerton is the Small Groups and Discipleship Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. He has authored many small group studies, is a highly sought-after trainer and speaker, and is the author of Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual as well as A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic. He is also the co-author of Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making and Countdown: Launching and Leading Transformational Groups. But Rick’s deepest passion and his goal in life is to see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.”
