Expectations are more than boxes to check, but a purposeful lifestyle of prayer and knowledge designed to take us deeper into the joy of the gospel. These expectations are also purposed for praise in what God has done, attentiveness to what he is going and an excited anticipation for what he will do in our lives and groups.

The guiding hand of scripture is weighty and wonderful. Below are passages of scripture that communicate God’s commands of those who follow him. But, scripture is more than a command — it is a promise to pray, an experience to live and truth to liberate.

1. Trusting Jesus for salvation from sin and reconciliation to God by faith, alone, through grace alone, in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:4-8
Praying for the daily acknowledgment and surrender to Jesus as the lord of your life.
Knowing freedom from the weight of saving yourself.

2. Committed to the pursuit of the God of The Bible – joyfully submitting to the guidance, authority and love of scripture. Colossians 3:16
Praying for a consistent and deepening hunger for the word of God.
Knowing freedom that comes from a relationship based in the sovereign grace of the God of the Bible.

3. Intentionally in discipleship – pursuing others for Jesus and pursuing Jesus with others. John 8:31-32; 1 Cor. 1:22
Praying for the life-changing work and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in your life and the life of others.
Knowing the freedom of leading others in what God has promised and secured.

4. Humble in spirit and confident in the gospel. 2 Cor. 5:17-21 A leader humbled by the realities of a loving God translates into a person who proclaims and displays hope in Jesus with consistency and reliability.
Praying for the Holy Spirit to embolden with compassion and love – pointing to Jesus.
Knowing freedom through the revelation of God’s saving grace for yourself and others.

ACCOUNTABILITY & GRACE IN SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

The following items are biblical expectations for men and women in spiritual leadership.  We are accountable to his word through obedience, but also through grace.  No one is capable of perfection.  In times of obedience and failure we thankfully point to Christ who is our strength in obedience and our perfection in failure.

1 Timothy 3; Titus 1

“Above reproach; respectable”…Because of what Jesus has done for you
“Not a drunkard”…Self-controlled and without addictions
“Not a lover of money”…Driven by the reward of Jesus, not the rewards of the world
“Not violent or quarrelsome”…Promotes peace and unity without sacrificing truth
Willing to be held to the standards of a leader James 3:1

ACCOUNTABILITY IN GROUP LEADERSHIP

One of your most primary goals a group leader is to replace yourself for the purpose of multiplication – identify, disciple, train and launch new leaders and groups.

Recording stories.  People resonate with a story.  Pray that God will tune your ear to the words of others that you may hear the evidences/pictures of grace that make up the story of people’s lives.

Weekly communication: Attendance for the week and any need you may have as a group leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Guidance and care: A shepherd’s heart

Disciple-making disciple: Always seeking to disciple others in a sustainable, consistent and reproductive way.  Seeking also to be discipled.

Lead your group in the proclamation and display of the gospel in all stages, ages and areas of life.

Administration: organize and plan
-Maintain effective communication of information
-Provide clear expectations you have of the group
-Provide clear expectations the group may have of you
-Facilitate safe places to gather

While a small group leader is responsible for all areas above, the leader does not need to fill every one of these roles. These roles can be shared based on the spiritual gifts, passions and willing spirit of the individual group members.

1. Church Community Builder is our web-based church management software program and has useful tools for Small Group Leaders.  Below are two videos that are helpful in learning how to take attendance, add/remove people, and use of the LEAD mobile application:

Leading a Group

LEAD Mobile Application 

LEAD APP PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS

UPDATING YOUR ROSTER/COMPUTER – CCB

UPDATING YOUR ROSTER/LEAD MOBILE APP

2. RightNow Media has a wealth of video studies for your group.  Currently, Briarcliff’s subscription to RightNow Media is sufficient only for group leaders.  If you would like an account, please email tim.armitage@briarcliff.chuch. He will be able to send you an email invite so that you can set up a profile.

3. Guiding your group through the Personal Discipleship Plan.

4. Suggested Commentary List