Everything you need to lead a healthy, Christ-centered group — without being an expert.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”
1 Peter 5:2 · ESV
A reading guide from The ChurchHitchcock, TX
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
Before you start
You don’t have to be an expert.
Leading a small group isn’t about having all the answers or being the most spiritual person in the room. It’s about creating a place where people can grow together — opening the Word, sharing life, and pointing one another to Jesus.
You’re not a lecturer; you’re a host and a shepherd. Your job is to gather people, keep things on track, and care for the ones God puts in your group. He’ll do the rest.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:24 · ESV
The Church01
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
The goal
What a healthy group does.
The early church gives us the pattern. A healthy group keeps coming back to these four things.
The Word01 · Acts 2:42Together you open the Bible, wrestle with it, and let it shape you. The Word is the centerpiece, not an afterthought.
Fellowship02 · Acts 2:42Real relationships where people are known and loved. Life shared, not just information exchanged.
Prayer03 · Acts 2:42Praying for and with one another. This is where a group turns into a family that carries each other’s burdens.
The table04 · Acts 2:46Eating together, opening homes, doing ordinary life. Hospitality is where walls come down and trust grows.
The Church01
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
A simple flow
Leading the meeting.
You don’t need a complicated agenda. This simple flow works week after week.
Welcome & food10 minStart with something to eat or drink. Food relaxes people and signals this is family, not a class.
Catch up15 minLet people share how their week really went. Presence before content — people open up when they feel seen.
Into the Word25 minRead the passage together and discuss it. Ask questions, don’t lecture. Let the group do the talking.
Application15 minMove from “what does it say” to “what do we do.” Help each person name one step for the week.
Prayer15 minClose by praying for one another. Keep it simple and honest — this is often the most meaningful part.
The Church02
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
Beyond the meeting
Caring for your people.
Shepherding happens between the meetings as much as during them. A few simple habits go a long way.
Follow up.
A quick text mid-week — “thinking of you, praying for that thing you mentioned” — tells people they matter.
Notice who’s missing.
When someone disappears, reach out. People rarely leave because of conflict; they drift because no one noticed.
Share the load.
You don’t have to do it all. Let others bring food, lead prayer, or host. Shared ownership builds a stronger group.
Raise up an apprentice.
Invite someone to help lead. The goal isn’t a bigger group forever — it’s a new group, led by someone you’ve trained.
Know when to call us.
Some situations are beyond a group leader. When something feels heavy or over your head, reach out to us. You’re not alone in this.
The Church03
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
When it gets hard
Handling the tricky moments.
Someone dominates the conversation.
Gently redirect: “Thanks — let’s hear from someone who hasn’t shared yet.” If it continues, have a kind, private word with them outside the meeting.
Nobody talks.
Silence is okay — give it time. Ask open questions, then wait. Try having people share in pairs first; it’s less intimidating than the whole group.
Someone shares something heavy.
Don’t rush to fix it. Listen, thank them for their honesty, and pray for them. Follow up afterward, and loop us in if they need more support.
There’s conflict.
Don’t ignore it, but don’t hash it out in front of everyone. Address it privately and prayerfully. Aim for peace and truth, not winning.
You don’t know the answer.
Say so. “Great question — I don’t know, let’s dig in together this week.” Honesty builds more trust than pretending ever could.
The Church04
Small Group Leader HandbookThe Church · Hitchcock, TX
Getting started
Your first steps.
Pray and invite.Step 01Ask God who to invite, then invite them personally. Try this: write down five names and reach out to them this week.
Set a rhythm.Step 02Pick a day, time, and place, and keep it consistent. Try this: commit to the same night every week for a season.
Keep it simple.Step 03Don’t over-plan. Food, the Word, and prayer is enough. Try this: plan your first night around just those three things.
Take a minute
Who could you invite to start or join a group? Write down a few names, pick a night, and take the first step this week. We’ll help with the rest.
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We’ve got you
You’re not leading alone.
Leading a group is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do — and you don’t do it alone. God is with you, your group is in it with you, and so are we.
Use this alongside our discussion and study resources, and reach out anytime you need support, prayer, or a fresh idea.