Shepherding Small Groups for Gospel Impact

Small groups are more than a program of the church—they are a picture of the early church’s heartbeat. “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God…” (Acts 2:46–47, ESV). Groups create a space where lives are transformed, disciples are formed, and the mission of Jesus moves forward.

Start with People, Not Programs

As leaders, the first priority is not content or logistics but people. Every gathering is an opportunity to listen deeply, notice who is present (and who is not), and make room for honest connection. Shepherding begins with attentiveness, and it’s often in the ordinary conversations before and after group that God gives you open doors into someone’s heart.

Ask Questions That Lead Deeper

Strong leaders don’t only teach—they draw others out. Jesus often asked questions before giving answers. One of the most practical ways you can grow as a leader is by preparing questions that lead people beneath the surface. Invite stories, create space for wrestling, and let Scripture guide the dialogue. A small group isn’t simply about transferring knowledge but cultivating transformation.

Exchange Truth with Grace

Healthy groups become communities where truth and grace meet. Scripture calls us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV). As a leader, don’t be afraid to challenge your group toward obedience to Christ, but do so with humility and tenderness. This balance shapes disciples who not only know the Word but live it.

Multiply the Mission

The Great Commission is not just about gathering but going. As you disciple your group members, continually remind them that the goal is multiplication. Shepherding means raising up future leaders who will start new groups, making room for others to encounter Jesus. Think of your group not as a cul-de-sac but as a launching pad. One of the most powerful steps you can take this fall is to begin identifying and investing in someone who could lead.

Lead with Hope

Leading a small group can feel heavy at times, but you are not alone. The Spirit of God is with you, and the church is behind you. Keep praying for individuals to join groups—both those already inside our church and those outside the walls who may find their first doorway into the gospel through an invitation. The upcoming Small Group Expo is the perfect opportunity to help people connect, so be bold in your invitations. What begins as a simple ask to “come join us” may one day become someone’s turning point with Christ.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

A Call to Action

This week, don’t just read this post—live it. Here’s the challenge:

Pray by Name – Write down three names of people you know (one inside the church, two outside) who need community. Begin praying daily that God would draw them into your group.

Invite Boldly – Before Sunday, personally invite at least one person outside of our church walls to attend your group or join you at the Small Group Expo. A personal invitation is the doorway for the Spirit to move.

Share Publicly – Post a quick story, picture, or testimony on social media about what your group means to you. Use the hashtag #SmallGroupLife and tag our church. Your story might be the spark that encourages someone else to take a step.

Imagine the ripple effect if every leader—and every group member—prayed, invited, and shared. That’s how momentum spreads. That’s how groups multiply. And that’s how the Great Commission takes root in everyday lives.

Small Group Expo and Leadership Update

Hello Small Group Leaders,

It’s time! Our Small Group Expo is coming on Sunday, September 14, and we can’t wait to showcase our passion for small groups and how essential they are to our walk with Christ.

We want your table to stand out and reflect the life of your group. We’ll provide: A colorful sign with your group’s details A sign-up sheet White linen

You bring the spark! Add colorful fabric, photos, balloons, candy, props—anything that reflects the personality and heart of your group.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three tables that best display:

– Christ – Christ-centered
– Creativity – Fun, colorful, energetic
– Community – Warm, caring, inviting

Set-up time: 8:00–8:45 am before first-service attendees arrive.

Please confirm your group’s information at nccabq.org > Community > Small Groups and send any updates by Monday, August 25 so we can print your sign.

Please begin praying for this event—that God would draw the right people to the right groups and stir hearts to join or even start a small group

Leadership Challenge

This month, focus on developing or identifying future small group leaders. Prayerfully look for those who are faithful, available, teachable, and already influencing others. Invite them into small leadership moments—reading scripture, facilitating prayer, or hosting. Multiplication starts with intentional investment in others.

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Encouragement

You do an incredible job of loving your group well. Keep showing up with grace, patience, and consistency. Your presence in their lives matters more than you may realize.

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8, ESV)

Reflection Question

How can you care more intentionally for each group participant in ways that you have not cared before? Consider spiritual encouragement, personal follow-up, practical help, or creating space for them to share more deeply.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

You Were Made for This: A Word to Our Small Group Leaders

By chadspriggs on August 2, 2025

He team,

First—thank you. I know the energy it takes to lead a group. To prepare when you’re tired. To listen when others need space. To show up when life pulls in every direction. What you’re doing matters more than you probably realize.You’re not just leading a Bible study—you’re creating a space where people can encounter Jesus. You’re building spiritual family in a culture that often forgets what that looks like.

And I believe with all my heart: you were made for this.

As we launch Made For This in our men’s groups and begin offering it to the church and community, I want to personally walk with you in your own leadership journey. You’re not alone in this—we’re walking it together.

Leadership is more than content—it’s connection. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about having a posture of presence. As you prepare to shepherd others through conversations about faith, family, fitness, and finance, I want to encourage you to slow down enough to let God speak to you, too.

Ask yourself:

What part of leadership feels life-giving right now—and what feels heavy?
Where do I need to be reminded of God’s love for me—not just His calling on me?
How can I create space in my group for honesty, not just answers?

EXPLORE THE WEBSITE

Also, we’ve created a resource for you on this website. Here’s how to begin using it:

1. Explore the site like you would explore a good book—take 15 minutes this week to browse the training, videos, and articles. More to come so it’ll be great!
2. Engage with one resource and share something you learned or found helpful.
3. We’ll continue building this into a key hub for group leadership life, so consider it a companion in your leadership—not just a tool.

EXCHANGE PERFECTION FOR PRESENCE

Let’s lay down the pressure to impress.You don’t have to lead from perfection. You get to lead from presence.

The gospel reminds us that we are not alone, we are not behind, and we are not defined by our limitations. Jesus doesn’t ask for your performance—He invites your surrender. As some of you walk with others through Made For This or other studies, help them exchange pressure for peace, lies for truth, and isolation for connection. Start with yourself. You were never meant to lead from burnout or obligation, but from overflow. Let’s lead with open hands, open hearts, and open Bibles.

EMPOWERED THROUGH COMMUNITY

This week, here are two simple next steps:

Text me personally.
Let me know: “What part of leading your group excites you right now—and what part feels heavy?” Just a quick text. I want to pray for you and support you intentionally—not generally.

Reach out to someone in your group.
One encouraging text. One intentional check-in. That’s how discipleship moves from structure to soul care.Don’t underestimate the power of presence. A two-minute text might be the most spiritual thing you do this week.

BE ENCOURAGED

You’re not just maintaining a group—you’re multiplying the kingdom. Every time you create space for someone to share their story, pray an honest prayer, or take one small step of faith, you’re building a legacy. God is using you. Even when you can’t see it. Even when the room is quiet or the week feels heavy. The seeds you’re planting will grow in ways you may never fully witness—but He sees it all.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 CSB

Keep going. We’re with you. I’m with you.

CALL TO ACTION: 

As you lead others through your studies, keep an eye on how your people are showing up:

– Learning to Love – receiving God’s love and letting it shape how they see themselves and others.
– Loving to Lead – beginning to live out their faith with gospel-rooted responsibility.Leading to
– Learn – stepping into leadership with humility, open to how God continues shaping them.

You don’t have to rush anyone. Just walk with them. That’s what shepherding looks like..

Steadfast Small Group Leadership


From Anna Adkins:

In Paul’s letter to the church of Corinth he encouraged them to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

As small group leaders at NCC this encouragement is for you! There’s profound wisdom embedded within this passage that we can unpack. Let’s delve into it. 

The word “steadfast” can be defined as patient endurance. In today’s fast-paced society, the qualities of patience and endurance may seem scarce. Our culture often prioritizes immediacy and quick results.  I have heard discipleship defined as “a long obedience in the same direction”, it’s a deliberate and gradual process.  Ministry to others is not a one-stop, drive-thru, microwave investment!  Discipleship is slow, deep, and relational. It takes work, intention and time.

Paul also encourages the Corinthian church to “abound in the work of the Lord” or give themself fully to it.  Work is implied in ministry, it won’t necessarily come easily.  I love how it says “work IN the Lord”. It reminds me of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all that we ask or imagine, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER that is at work within us.”  God is the one who enables us as we walk obediently with Him. That puts my heart at rest, knowing it isn’t up to me – I walk faithfully, He empowers me and He also produces the results.

“Your labor is not in vain”!  Isn’t that sweet encouragement?  It may sometimes feel like your investment in the people God has put in your small group is bearing no fruit.  Ministry is messy!  People come with baggage, they don’t show up, sometimes they don’t participate or finish their study.  Ministry is messy because people are messy, WE all are messy.  Praise God that He is working to sanctify all of us, He isn’t finished with us yet! That sanctification process may look different for everyone.  You may have heard it said that it takes a person hearing the gospel 3 to 16 times before they respond.  We know that in scripture people heard the gospel for the first time and responded.  The point is, everyone is different and will respond differently to God’s work in them.  So, we can trust God with his timing and be patient, steadfast and faithful knowing that He is at work cultivating the seeds under the surface even when we may not see the fruit.

In conclusion, let’s embrace the timeless counsel of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, recognizing its relevance in our roles as small group leaders at NCC. In a culture that prizes immediacy, let’s embody steadfastness, understanding that discipleship is a journey of patient endurance—a commitment to continual growth rather than quick fixes. Let’s fully devote ourselves to the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not wasted. God’s power works within us, achieving far beyond what we can envision. Though ministry may present challenges and progress may appear slow, let’s trust in God’s timing and sovereignty. He is faithfully at work, nurturing seeds of growth and transformation, even when we cannot yet see the fruit. As we persist in faithfulness and perseverance, let’s find our hope in the assurance that our contributions, no matter how seemingly small, are meaningful in God’s grand design!

How can you show steadfastness/patient endurance with the people in your small group this week?

The Leadership Test

God is at work in and through you!

We are so grateful for your willingness to serve at NCC. We hope to encourage you as you seek to honor God through your service and sacrifice.

Here are some great questions to ask yourself as you lead your group. These 6 areas will serve as guideposts as we seek to foster healthy biblical community.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION

1. How are people perceiving Christ through how I treat/interact with them? 

2. Do others want to follow my pattern of life? 

3. Do I listen well?

VISION CASTING

1. How far have I come over the past year?

2. Am I seeing Christ followers make new commitments in their faith? 

3. Are others in the Church freely expressing the vision of the church? 

DISCIPLESHIP 

1. How many significant conversations have I had this month and what where the stories? 

2. How many people have I had in my homes this past month? 

3. How many times this month have I intentionally been a blessing to someone and what are the stories?

4. Am I observing maturing Christians pouring into other younger Christians?

MULTIPLICATION

1. Am I seeing Christians emerge from my community, what are the stories?

2. How have I moved toward expanding my reach through discovering, developing, and deploying new disciples, leaders, groups, and/or churches? 

3. How is multiplication happening beyond my immediate supervision?

CONTEXTUALIZATION 

1. Do I understand others? How would I explain my response?

2. Am I in tune with how I relate to others? How would I explain my response?

3. Am I creating a culture that draws people to Jesus without creating walls for them to overcome? How would I explain my response? 

LOGISTICS 

1. How am I fighting to keep our culture simple and effective while discovering, developing, and deploying disciples of Christ?

2. What has been hard that I have simplified?

3. How has our small group and church culture promoted excitement about what God is doing, anticipation about what God is going to do, and a true feeling of belonging to the family of God?