Here are a few things that will help you when looking for your next co-leader(s). It is very exciting that our life groups are so full, but that also means that we are to the point that if we don't train new co-leaders to become leaders we will no longer be able to add new people in groups. And we have requests EVERY week for people who are interested in joining a group!! So here are a few tips that I think will help you...
How to recognize a potential co-leader:
1. Look for group members who take Life Group seriously.
2. Look for gifted people.
3. Pray for new co-leader(s). In Luke 6:12-16 we read where Jesus prayed all night before calling his 12 disciples.
4. Observe people who are on the same teams (Guest Services, Usher, Sound, etc.) as you. If you see someone
who performs their tasks well, works well with others, is always on time, these
people are leaders and would make great co-leaders.
5. Look for people who you can see God at work in their
life, who are emotionally stable and caring.
6. And look for people who have a teachable spirit and are
willing to learn.
When you have determined you have found a person or couple
that would be awesome life group co-leaders (and then leaders) your next step
is to get with Tina or Xene and let them know whom you are thinking about asking. Sometimes we are aware of things that may exclude them from a leadership role at this time (They may be struggling with major issues, etc.).
Once you receive approval then it is time to talk to them. Let them know you see they possess leadership qualities needed to be a Life Group Leader and ask them if they would consider being a co-leader.
Here are a few responses you may receive from them and some great ways to address their concerns.
Typical objections to co-leading:
1. “I just don’t have the time.”- Share with them that God has given them an ability to lead and to be used by Him is a great honor and privilege. Cast
the vision for the life change that can occur as they rise to the occasion and
accept the challenge of co-leading a group with you (or another leader). If they are already in a group then they are
already setting aside time in their schedules to meet so let them know that
being a co-leader or leader really doesn’t require much more time than
that. Just scheduling out your meetings
and planning what to do and bring. Let
them know that they are not carrying the entire load of leading the group. You (or whomever their leader is) are sharing
the responsibility. Once they co-lead for
a while they will get a feel for it and realize that it is not the burden they
think it is going to be. And actually it is quite a fulfilling adventure!!
2. “I don’t have the
gift of leadership.”- Again, encourage
them by reminding them that leadership is influence. And they are already influencing someone
whether they know it or not. Let them
know you see great leadership qualities in them (and share a few of them that
you recognize) and let them know that you will make sure that they will receive
the appropriate training they need to be effective.
3. “I am not the
leadership type.” At this point you need
to simply explore what the person really means by “leadership type”. Perhaps their definition of leadership is
incorrect. They may view leaders and
leadership as just people who are in charge and in control as opposed to someone who
can facilitate life change by caring for, shepherding, discipling and loving
others.
Sometimes all people need is for someone to believe in
them. Let them know that you do!
Thank you leaders for ALL you do!! Please let Tina or Xene know if they can assist you in any way with identifying your next co-leader(s)!!
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