CREATING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH BEGINS WITH YOU

While we are all tasked with the mission of disciple-making, church leaders are challenged to steward healthy environments in the local church where people are discipled.
See Acts 20:28–30; Ephesians 4:11–15; Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1.

To fulfill that mandate in a way that protects and supports everyone involved, pastors use leadership pathways. In the early church, leaders were often required to meet a list of specific qualifications before being appointed (1 Timothy 3:8–13). The heart of that list was to match a person’s given responsibility with their level of commitment, character, conduct, and capacity. We want both the leader and the group to experience a thriving situation.

Here is a summary of the parameters for leadership we find in Scripture:

Commitment

Those who lead first show authentic commitment to following Jesus, proclaimed in baptism. They align with the church community’s mission, vision, and convictions. Sometimes, this is called membership.

Character

Those who lead are growing in character, evidenced in the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
This is displayed through:

Generosity
Modesty
Sobriety
Integrity
Stewardship of time, talent, and treasure

Conduct

Those who lead others model healthy relationships.

At home, spouses honor God by respecting and honoring each other, and children grow up imitating their parent’s faith in God.
In the church, relationships are non-controversial and encourage unity.
In the community and workplace, leaders have a good reputation.

Capacity

Those who lead live a well-ordered life that others want to emulate. They also learn skills congruent with the responsibility at hand.

BARRIERS WE FACE

Of course, no one is perfect; you will continue maturing in many of these areas even as you disciple others. If you want to lead a group, your pastor will help you navigate your leadership journey. They will help you figure out what kind of group might work best for you and others.

Your leadership journey might include steps like:

Attending particular classes
Becoming a member
Completing a background check
Volunteering in another capacity
Growing in your faith
Serving as an assistant leader

Many group leaders begin by facilitating curated content, ensuring that everyone contributes and shares their view.
Over time, facilitators can become leaders of discipleship-focused groups. Through personal growth, life experience, and spiritual maturity, these leaders move into a mentorship role, providing advice, answering questions, and guiding others.

It’s important to recognize that as a disciple-making leader, you are involved in a spiritual activity. As a result, you might face barriers such as:

Self-doubt or negative self-talk
Guilt about your past
Discouragement from others
Feelings of incapacity
Challenging life circumstances

YOUR CHURCH WILL SUPPORT YOU

You might have simply wanted to gather friends to study the Bible or do an activity together. But then you encountered the official processes and thought:
“Do I really have to go through all this hassle just to start a group?”

It might be tempting to skip the process, but aligning with the church’s leadership pathway brings great wisdom and support.
Here are three ways your church will help you:

1. Support

Your church provides support throughout your leadership journey:

Group Dynamics – Help navigating difficult attendees and group challenges.
Care – Access to pastoral counseling and referrals for additional care needs.
Theological Support – Assistance with answering tough questions.
Spiritual Support – Balanced biblical perspectives and guidance.
Service Options – Resources and mission opportunities through your church and beyond.

2. Protection

Your church helps ensure safety and accountability for both you and your group:

Spiritual Protection – Accountability and submission foster freedom and safety.
Legal Protection – Proper processes reduce your personal liability.
Longevity – Aligning with leadership fosters sustainable discipleship growth.
Transition Support – Assistance when it’s time to step down or hand off leadership.
Growth – Support in identifying and training future group leaders.

3. Community

You will flourish as part of something bigger:

Connect – Grow with other leaders, share transformation stories, and pray together.
Resources – Gain access to leadership development resources that will grow your capacity and meet the needs of your group.

GOING FORWARD

We’re excited that you’re on this leadership journey to be part of the disciple-making mission of Jesus.
Your church is positioned to help support and train you for this important role.
Over the next few chapters, you’ll learn key skills that will empower you to take your next step in leadership.

Discussion Questions

What type of group (style, topic) would not be wise for you to lead?
What part of leading a group are you passionate about?
In what ways do you feel you’re ready to lead a group? In what ways do you not feel ready?
What leadership pathways are in place at your church?
What benefits could those bring to a group you lead?

Are You Ready To Lead?