5 Essentials for Leading a Healthy Small Group Bible Study
If you’re leading a small group through the Storyline Bible studies —first, thank you. You’re stepping into a sacred role. As someone who’s led and been shaped by small groups over the years, I know just how powerful these gatherings can be when they’re built on trust, truth, and togetherness.
Here are five essentials for leading a healthy small group this season:
1. Start with Community Before Depth
Before you expect your group to go deep in the Word or real in their lives, focus on building relationships. Once people know how much you care—and how much capacity the group has for love—everything else flows more naturally.
Some of the best groups I’ve been part of started with a warm, personal invitation from the leader. They shared why they loved the group and assured everyone they’d belong.
Use the first session to get to know one another. That first week usually has the highest attendance—don’t rush it! The Storyline leader guides include great conversation starters that keep things Christ-centered and relational.
2. End on Time Every Time
Yes, life happens—carpool, work, church commitments. Be flexible with your start time. But don’t budge on the end time.
If your group starts ending late, people will quietly drift away. But when you end on time, every time, it builds trust. You’ll keep those with tight schedules, and the more flexible folks can stay and chat to their heart’s content afterward.
3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Don’t carry the weight of leadership alone. Before each session—or even better, a week ahead—pray and ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind who could open in prayer, read Scripture, or close in prayer.
You’ll be amazed how few opportunities Christians are given to practice their faith in community. And when you find someone ready to lead a whole session—let them! Empower others to step into leadership. If a tough question comes up and you don’t know the answer, ask the group if someone wants to research it and report back next week.
4. Pray Like Crazy
Pray like it works—because it does.
Your group isn’t expecting you to have all the answers. In fact, most curious and serious Bible readers are encouraged when you admit you don’t know everything. Humility builds trust. But when your group knows you are praying for them by name, remembering their needs, and bringing them to the Lord, it becomes a testimony of your faith. That’s powerful leadership.
5. Pair & Share Prayer Requests
I love when there’s enough time to go around the room and share prayer requests. But if your group is larger than four, this can feel rushed.
When people feel like there’s no time for their request, they may wonder, “Am I not important?” Instead, ask your group to pair up and share prayer requests one-on-one. Then spend more time actually praying instead of rushing through a list.
Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Free Resources
If you're leading a Storyline study this semester, be sure to visit
👉 www.thestorylineproject.com/freebies
You’ll find:
A free Bible reader assessment—a great conversation starter for new groups still building relational capital
Downloadable small group discussion guides
Leader guides for church leaders planning an entire semester
Video introductions for each study, perfect for groups new to the Storyline series
To all the small group leaders, good on you for following the Spirit’s leading.