The title of this month's article could be read two different ways: "Great SMALL GROUP Leaders" or "Great SMALL (Small) Group leaders!" The intentioned reading is the former, but I want to take a look at the latter. First, we have to acknowledge that young people can run small groups. They have the potential, and can safely be released to lead other young people. The next issue to address is "were they born that way or can they be coached to be that way?"
First: Born that way.
If you watch any group of young people, you will see that there are some who by virtue of their personality draw groups of other young people to them. Others very naturally look to them for leadership and will willingly follow anything they say. This can be good or bad! These "natural" leaders often lead by personality or gifting, but can also be accompanied by threats (bullying) or other unseemly methods. In either situation, they have followers, and therefore become leaders even if they would not necessarily give themselves that title.
Saul of Tarsus was a leader in the sense of the latter but God saw his leadership potential, turned him around, and took that potential so that even today we still "follow" guidance given through him.
Young people, when born again and filled with the Holy Spirit are ready to continue their ability to lead others. However, I have never seen a young person walk into a small group and be able to lead consistently without modeling, coaching, and training. Sadly, many do not think young people need the equipping that is given to adults. Churches have weekends for leaders, training sessions, internship, prayer, coaching, and many other resources available to adult small group leaders. Young people need coaching too.
Secondly: Coached to be that way?
Does that exclude all the other young people who do not have that "natural" leadership ability? Young people lead in different ways. Some may lead one on one in different situations. Some never lead because they were never given the space to express themselves and release their thoughts and dreams. Some never lead because they don't have the confidence.
These are not an army of elitist warriors, they are an army of the most unlikely, the most ignored and forgotten, the most gifted and obvious, the most abused and downtrodden, the most cared for and nurtured. We are called to equip and train all of them RIGHT NOW.
A young person who is coached with love and acceptance will flourish. Those who refuse to be coached will learn humility. The power of the Holy Spirit, the skill and care of the coach, and imparted vision and confidence will be enough for any young person to lead a small group. Of course, the composition of the group will also be a consideration, but given that this is carefully chosen I believe that young people who we thought most unlikely will flourish. After all, don't we read that "My strength is made perfect in weakness" and "I have chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise!" (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Corintians 1:27)
Too often, I feel that we look at the natural ability without looking at God's potential! If we see each young person as a potential leader, and draw on God's wisdom, then most young people can lead a small group given that:
- The young person is willing and teachable.
- The coach has compassion and wisdom.
- The young person can learn through modeling and experiential coaching with some additional training.
- The small group is carefully chosen and supported.
- There is ongoing support.
- Ideally, the young person would have the parent's support, prayer, and encouragement.
I am not saying that every young person can and will be a small group leader, but I would rather that we lift our faith and vision to "see" them discipling others and fulfilling the great commission through small group leadership than quietly disregard them as unsuitable and incapable. After all, we are all unsuitable and incapable without Jesus.
"A little child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6) … Let them begin right now!
