Choosing Your DNow Small Group Leaders: New or Existing?

Small group leaders form the essential teaching and community-building component of any DNow. Where should these essential leaders come from?

For most churches, the decision is either to bring in new leaders or use existing ones. Let’s look at the pros of each:

Using Existing Leaders

Many churches use their existing leaders as small group leaders. There are some advantages to this such as:

• An existing small group leader knows their students and how to best minister to them.
• Existing leaders have been trained in the ministry philosophy and teaching style of the student ministry. They are likely to require less training before the DNow.
• Existing leaders will also be around after the DNow is over allowing students to build a long-term relationship with a leader who will be able to help support and encourage them after the weekend is over.

Using New Leaders

Many churches choose to bring in small group leaders from outside of the church. This can also be beneficial for the following reasons:

• Leaders can come in and teach the same scriptural truths that you have been trying to teach your students to help reinforce what you have been teaching.
• They can be a secondary voice proclaiming truth to your students.
• Your students may also be willing to open up more to a leader whom they know will not be around after the DNow. This environment of freedom is an advantage to outside small group leaders.

Whatever small group leaders you choose, make sure that they are trained and equipped to facilitate a meaningful time of small group with your students.

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Ben Birdsong works with middle school students at First Baptist Church in Pelham, Alabama. Ben loves to minister to students and challenge them to become campus missionaries and to live out their faith.