Who is the small group facilitator?
A Small Group Leader/Facilitator is a spiritually mature member of the church who facilitates a small group for fellowship, discipleship, and care under the oversight of the elders. He or she serves as a servant-shepherd, helping each member grow in love for Christ and one another while promoting the church’s shepherding vision in a close, relational setting.

What does a Small Group Leader/Facilitator do?

1. Know the Sheep – Builds relationships with group members and walks alongside them through their joys and struggles.
2. Feed the Sheep – Facilitates Bible discussion, prayer, and application of God’s Word in a way that encourages spiritual growth.
3. Lead the Sheep – Models Christlike living and connects members to the life and mission of the church.
4. Protect the Sheep – Guards the group’s spiritual health by maintaining biblical truth, addressing conflict graciously, and informing elders of serious needs or concerns.

The small group leader/facilitator fosters community, encourages accountability, and helps each member use their gifts to serve others.

Why do they do it?

• Because Christ calls His people to live in biblical community, “bearing one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
• Because personal relationships are essential for spiritual growth, encouragement, and care (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Because the elders cannot personally shepherd everyone in a large congregation and rely on small group leaders to help ensure that every member is known, fed, led, and protected.

How do they do it?

• They plan and facilitate meetings focused on the Word, prayer, and fellowship.  They encourage honest sharing in a safe, Christ-centered environment.
• They maintain regular contact and meet with each member in person at least once annually (outside of regular group gatherings) to offer encouragement and care.
• They stay connected with members who are facing challenges and visit members in the hospital or crises when necessary.
• They pray weekly for their flock, dependent on the Holy Spirit.
• They attend Covenant’s bi-monthly Shepherding Trainings to meet with their Team Leader for prayer, training, and reporting, and they act with humility under the direction of the elders.
• They actively communicate with the elders about important changes to their group, and they keep their online group roster updated.

Follow along with Sunday's preaching. Discussion questions are provided each week in the bulletin, in the sermon notes, and in the Covenant Family News email (click here to subscribe). No additional materials are needed.

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
– Psalm 100:3