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.

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