How to Train Your Co-Leaders

Before we jump into how to train your co-leaders I wanted to give you an important question to ask when you are looking for co-leaders, Is this person or couple able to eventually lead a group of their own or are they just good helpers?  There is a BIG difference.  We all need those great people who are fantastic assistants but our co-leaders are those who will one day be leading a group of their own.

Also, another tip when looking for your co-leaders who are married, make sure that each spouse is good with one day leading a group.  Sometimes there is one spouse who is on board and ready to go while the other is hesitant.  If both are not good with it then we need to hold off until they can serve together as leaders.

Here are some ways to train your co-leaders:

1. Be the example and model to your co-leader how and what a Life Group leader does.  People learn quite well just by watching.

2. Allow your co-leader to take the lead in various areas.  To not overwhelm them, let them first just coordinate a meeting.  Then at the next meeting let them take the lead on the discussion time.  Let them get a feel for all the aspects that leading a group entails and then when you feel they are ready, let them take the lead for everything at a meeting (planning, coordinating, leading discussion, etc.).

3.  Make sure you share with them the importance of filling out the Life Group Report Form. This last step is vital for the leadership to know the health of the group, who is attending, who is not attending, who was invited and when the next meeting is. Sometimes people get invited into a group (which is great) but we may be trying to find them a group not knowing they have already plugged in. The Report Forms helps us know these things.

4.  Go over with them the Life Group Manual.  In doing so you will be sharing with them the purpose and vision of life groups.  If you need more copies please let Xene know.

5.  Make sure to encourage your co-leaders when you see them doing well.  It lets them know they are on the right path and will be a confidence booster for them.

6. Make sure you let them know the weak areas you see.  If good communication with the group, or keeping the meeting on a proper time schedule, or lack of preparation for the discussion time are areas you see they may struggle with, take some time with them to encourage them in this area.  Share with them how you communicate, or stay on schedule or prepare for the discussion time.  They will not learn and grow through their weak areas unless someone brings it to their attention and helps them with it.

7. Teach them how to find other co-leaders.  Once they themselves are leading a group they will need to begin training co-leaders too.  Let them know what qualities and characteristics they need to look for.  Referencing the post found here will help.

8.  And last but not least, If they are not a member of CCA, encourage them to attend the next Membership Night.  

As we teach and train new co-leaders, and they themselves become leaders who are teaching and training new co-leaders, we are multiplying ourselves.  By multiplying ourselves, we are multiplying our ministry!!