PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EQUIPPING YOUR SMALL GROUP LEADERS

If you’re a leader or volunteer in parish ministry, you’ve probably felt that moment of overwhelm—especially when it comes to leading others. Recently, we launched our small groups for teens, and while it was a success, it didn’t happen without facing some big challenges. The good news? Those challenges are totally manageable with the right preparation.

Here’s what worked for us, and how you can set your own leaders up for success.

START WITH THE WHY

Let’s be honest—if you’re leading a small group or teaching catechism, it’s not just about sharing the faith. It’s personal. At the start of our training, we made sure our leaders knew their ‘why.’ Why are you here? Why does this matter to you? Getting to the heart of that question brought out their passion and excitement for the ministry.

For some, it was about sharing how God has worked in their lives. For others, it was a deep desire to help the next generation find their way to Christ. When your leaders tap into that personal reason, they bring an enthusiasm that’s contagious.

ADDRESS THE FEARS

It’s normal for leaders to feel a little intimidated, especially when they’re working with teens. Some of our leaders were parents who weren’t sure how to share their faith with their own kids, let alone other people's children. Others had never done youth ministry before, and that inexperience brought some nerves.

We reminded them that it’s okay not to have all the answers. What matters is being present, listening, and walking alongside the teens on their faith journey. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up with an open heart. Once leaders realize they don’t need to be experts, just authentic witnesses, the fear starts to melt away.

DELEGATE THE DETAILS (AND RECRUIT WISELY)

Let’s face it—parish staff is often stretched thin, and ours is no exception. One of our challenges was making sure our small group leaders had everything they needed, while still managing all the behind-the-scenes tasks. The solution? We started recruiting people who weren’t quite ready to commit to being full-time small group leaders but were open to helping once or twice a month.

This approach worked wonders because it served as a stepping stone for many. Once they got a taste of what leading a small group was like, they realized two things: how much time they actually had and how simple leading can be. By easing them in, we found that some of these helpers eventually made the leap to full commitment. Plus, having extra hands to handle prep, setup, and support made it easier for our core team to focus on the bigger picture.

If you’re in a similar boat, don’t be afraid to ask people to try it out for a week or two. It’s a great way to build your volunteer base and show them that ministry can fit into their lives more easily than they might think.

EQUIP THEM—LITERALLY

Before we launched our small groups, we created kits for our leaders. These weren’t just your standard materials; we included extra goodies like conversation starters, candy, and even a deck of cards. Why? Because we wanted our leaders to feel like they had something to fall back on if things got awkward or quiet.

Having the right tools makes a world of difference. When your leaders are prepared—really prepared—they lead with confidence. So think ahead and give them more than just a session outline. Equip them with things that help create connection.

PRIORITIZE PRAYER AND TEAM TIME

The last thing we did was make sure we carved out time for prayer and connection before the groups started. Just 15 minutes together helped center our leaders and remind them that they weren’t in this alone. It’s easy to skip this step when you’re busy, but trust me—it’s worth it.

A simple prayer or quick check-in before a session can improve team morale. It brings a sense of unity and focus that sets the right tone for the night.

At the end of the day, it’s all about setting your leaders up to succeed. Help them reconnect with their personal “why,” give them practical tools, and ensure they feel supported. Ministry can be tough, but when your leaders are confident and equipped, it transforms the way they serve—and the way they lead others to Christ.