Small groups are one of the most effective discipleship environments a church can offer — but starting one from scratch feels overwhelming, especially for a smaller staff. The good news: you don't need a full small group system to start. You need one well-run group with a clear curriculum and a leader who's willing to learn as they go.
Start With One Group, Not a Launch Event
Many churches delay starting small groups because they're waiting to launch "the whole system" — multiple groups, trained leaders, a sign-up process. Skip that. Start one group. Learn what works. Use that group as your training ground for future leaders.
A perfect launch that never happens helps no one. An imperfect group that starts next month helps everyone in it.
Choose Curriculum That Does the Heavy Lifting
Your first-time small group leaders are usually not trained facilitators — they're willing volunteers. Choose a curriculum that's structured enough to guide the conversation without requiring the leader to build lesson plans from scratch. Look for material with:
- Built-in discussion questions
- Clear session structure
- A defined beginning and end (not open-ended)
The curriculum should make the leader's job easier, not harder.
Recruit Leaders From People Already Growing
The best small group leaders are often people who are one or two steps ahead in their own discipleship journey — not necessarily the most naturally outgoing person in the room. Someone who's recently gone through a discipleship process themselves often makes an excellent first-time leader, because they remember what it felt like to be new.
Look for hunger and humility over polish and charisma.
Keep the Group's Purpose Clear
A discipleship small group is different from a general fellowship or social group — its purpose is spiritual growth and accountability. Keep that purpose visible in how the group is structured, not just in how it's described when you launch it. If the group drifts into purely social territory, gently redirect it. The structure is what makes it work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a discipleship small group be?
Most churches find 6–10 people is the sweet spot — big enough for a variety of voices, small enough for real accountability.
Do we need a trained facilitator to lead a group?
No. A willing, growing believer with structured curriculum can lead effectively. The curriculum does more of the work than most people expect.
How long should a small group series run?
Many churches run groups in 6–8 week cycles, which gives natural on-ramps for new people to join between series — and keeps the commitment manageable for busy schedules.
Ready-Made Curriculum for Your First Group
The Following Jesus Course is built specifically for this — structured video sessions plus discussion questions your first-time leaders can run with immediately. No lesson planning required.