Welcome to the second edition of Called to Lead — we're glad you're here!
Today, we're discussing small groups and the critical role they play in effective discipleship.
But first, a story.
Carlos had been running his campus ministry for years but felt frustrated by the lack of lasting engagement. He’d run all kinds of events, but the 70%—those disconnected from the church—weren’t sticking around.
That changed when he introduced intentional small groups led by a mentor.
Matt, a sophomore, joined a small group because he was invited personally by someone he admired. The group was led by a senior who had already walked through the challenges Matt was facing. Each week, the group provided Matt with not only a space to connect but also a mentor to guide him.
Carlos realized that mentorship in small groups wasn’t just another program—it was the heartbeat of true discipleship. By surrounding students with peers and mentors, he saw real growth and lasting commitment.
Takeaways:
Small Groups + Mentorship = Lasting Discipleship: Small groups that include mentorship provide the space for deeper faith exploration. When members walk alongside peers and mentors, it strengthens their commitment.
Mentorship Fosters Trust: Having someone who’s been on the journey before builds trust quickly. Members need to know there’s someone who understands their struggles and can offer guidance.
Mentorship Happens Best in Small, Consistent Groups: Discipleship isn’t about big events—it’s about walking together over time. Small groups led by mentors create the perfect environment for this accompaniment to happen.
Guide for Ministry Leaders: How to Structure Effective Mentorship Groups
Step 1:Pair Members with Mentors in Small Groups When forming small groups, intentionally pair younger members with mentors who have faced similar challenges. These mentors should be ready to share their stories and offer guidance.
Step 2: Make Small Groups the Heart of Your Ministry Focus your ministry on forming small groups, where trust and mentorship can flourish. Large events are great for introductions, but small groups are where real discipleship happens.
Step 3: Empower Mentors to Lead with Vulnerability Encourage your mentors to lead by example, sharing their own struggles and victories. Vulnerability from the mentor will invite vulnerability from the group, creating deeper connections.
Exercise: Build Your Mentorship Network
Make a list of potential mentors in your ministry—older members or leaders who have experienced similar faith journeys. Reach out to them this week, inviting them to become small group leaders.
Equip them with the tools and confidence to mentor others, ensuring they are prepared to lead with empathy and experience.
Upcoming Webinar: Small Groups Are Your Superpower with Everett Fritz, CEO at Andrew Ministries
Small groups are an integral part of any ministry. It’s where relationships are forged and strengthened. But how do you start and run a successful small group program?
Join us on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. CST for a conversation with Everett Fritz, CEO and Founder of Andrew Ministries. Everett is a leading expert in small group discipleship and an advocate for quality youth ministry. You'll gain valuable insight into effective small group organization and facilitation and practical tools for immediate implementation.
This newsletter is a collaborative effort between Called and Newman Connection—designed to empower ministry leaders with the tools for building authentic faith communities.
