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114. Small Groups & Leader Enablement: Multiplying Your Impact
Your church strategy won’t come to life on its own. Small group leaders, Bible study facilitators, and discipleship mentors are the people who will make your plans into a living, relational experience.
How Churches Use This
Start by setting your leaders up for success with a Church Page overview, recommended Plans, and training leaders on how to start a Plan with Friends. Supply leaders with a toolkit every semester with things like discussion questions and a one-pager walking them through how to use Plans with Friends.
Bring Plans with Friends into your discipleship pathway by pairing groups with an experienced leader to bring pastoral care. Train leaders on how to notice who is engaging and check in with those who need a check-in. Ask leaders for feedback after each semester on how the process is going.
Here are a few specific use-cases:
- Semester launch: Your small group pastor selects the Featured Plan for the semester. Two weeks before groups start, all leaders receive an email with the Plan link, a one-page guide for Plans with Friends, and a suggested discussion question for their first meeting. Leaders start the Plan themselves first, then invite their groups on launch week.
- New leader training: Your church trains 30 new small group leaders each year. Part of their training includes a 15-minute session on YouVersion: how to use Plans with Friends, why it matters for discipleship, and how to encourage participation without pressure.
- Multiplication moment: A group member loves the Plans with Friends experience so much that they start one with their coworkers—people who don’t attend your church. The leader didn’t plan it; the tool & culture enabled it.
Operational Guidance
- Who owns this? Small group pastor or discipleship director, with support from the communications teams for materials.
- Frequency: Leader training each semester and Plan starts aligned with the teaching calendar.
- Preparation needed: Recommended Plan selection, one-pager leader guide, and a 15-minute training slot.
Best Practices
- Leaders go first. Every semester, leaders should complete the Plan before their group starts. You can’t facilitate what you haven’t experienced.
- Keep the ask simple. One Plan per semester, using one tool, and inviting with a simple sentence.
- Provide, don’t mandate. Give leaders the tool and the recommendation. Trust them to use it in a way that fits their group’s culture.
Sign in to YouVersion Connect to find a Plan for your small groups to start today!
