LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Eight common leadership experiences.
Welcome to life out in front!

Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

Seek support. Ask your coach, co-leader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you
anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics. Bring your uniqueness to the study. Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leader Lifter each week.
Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare you for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and
one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

Use resources. Attend Leader 101 Training available in Step 4 at the Peoria Campus on the 4th Sunday of each month. Email the small group team at smallgroups@northwoods.church to register. Use resources.northwoods.church/smallgroups for additonal online resources.

Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to take place over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully His. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate.

Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week.
It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.