Photo by Guillaume Bolduc on Unsplash
We talk a lot about a leader's posture. And what we mean by "posture" is we think all leaders—and especially small group leaders—should be:
That's because your posture influences how effectively you're able to carry out the tasks and responsibilities required for leadership. It's the foundation on which all of your other leader knowledge and skills are built.
Think of it this way. We couldn't possibly teach you everything you need to lead a group well. That's because we can't account for every situation that might arise in the groups you lead. And even if we could teach you everything, doing so wouldn't be efficient. It's not helpful to overwhelm you with a boatload of information, most of which you won't need to know until later.
When it comes to leading groups, on-the-job learning is the best kind of learning. Figuring out how to handle a difficult personality or someone's challenging circumstances or a tricky question of theology is the best way to learn how to handle similar situations going forward. Real people, with all of their complexities, quirks, strengths, and weaknesses, demand a nuanced response that we can't possible anticipate in a formal training.
So, how can we just cut you loose knowing that you're not fully prepared for every situation that may arise in your group? The right posture covers a multitude of leader shortcomings.
You don't have to have all of the answers all of the time. We don't expect that of you. Honestly, your group members don't expect that of you. But we're confident that if you respond to the leadership challenges you face with humility, teachability, curiosity, and intentionality, you'll be okay. Your group members will feel cared for while you figure out — sometimes with the help of church staff — how to handle whatever it is your group is facing.