…in the Small Group Ministry at your church?  Do they fail to connect with the vision of where your Small Group Ministry is headed?  The truth is most Small Group Leaders feel little responsibility for the vision that God has given to your church.  Most are pretty satisfied with sitting back and allowing their group members to coast! 

Motivating Small Group Leaders to create a vision for their own Small Group is no easy task, but challenging leaders to embrace the vision of your Small Group Ministry team is within reach for every Small Group Pastor or Director.  consider some ideas for getting leaders to engage and embrace the vision:

• Check Your Vision:  Is it 20/20 vision?  Is the vision clear and simple for everyone to understand?  If not, gather with some of your leaders and ask “Why not?”
• Challenge Leaders:  Everyone in their group–leaders and members alike–is responsible for creating an effective and authentic Small Group experience.  Are your leaders mentoring and sharing their responsibilities?  If not, give some ideas: communications leader, prayer leader, food coordinator, community service leader, apprentice leader, or make up a new role.
• Communicate Often:  In the Age of Technology, there is no excuse for not being able to communicate with all of your leaders.  Make sure they know what is going on in the Small Group Ministry and don’t forget that “vision leaks” so constantly over-communicate your vision in your emails, blogs, one-on-ones, leadership gatherings, websites, and any other way that you choose to communicate.
• Set Realistic Goals:  Do you and your leaders set goals together?  The leaders are the ones in the trenches and they can give a true assessment of what is happening in your groups.  Plan a Leadership Round Table and ask your leaders to dream and dream BIG!  Don’t forget to celebrate when your team achieves their goals!  Be specific and usually helps to have seasonal goals.
• Hang Out:  Nothing is better at building relationships and ownership than just hanging out with your leaders.  When was the last time you planned an event to just “hang out” and have fun with your leaders.  Plan a cookout, bowling tournament, kick ball tournament, rafting trip, or go hiking together! 

Maybe you have some ideas that have worked with your Small Group Leaders.  Please feel free to share any of your ideas and comments!