How to Lead a Group
Gaspar A. Cortez
DSMN630 D02: Small Group Ministries
April 20, 2025
Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................
......1
Arnold
Summary........................................................................................................................... 1
Importance and Elements of Group Covenant.....................................................................2
Small Groups.......................................................................................................................3
Cell...............................................................................................................
3
Discipleship.................................................................................................3
Ministry........................................................................................................
3
Special
needs...............................................................................................4
Affinity........................................................................................................4
House
Assemblies........................................................................................4
Dempsey and Earley
Summary....................................................................................................6
Creating the
Group........................................................................................................................7
Bibliography..............................................................................................................................
...10
ii
1
Introduction
“‘Ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε’—‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Th 5:17).” With this
exhortation, Shaul emphasizes that prayer is one of the most powerful tools available to
believers in combating doubt, engaging in spiritual warfare, and overcoming the challenges of
life. In the context of small group ministry, prayer is the foundational step for any emerging
leader.1 Why is this the case? Both Shaul and Yochanan (John) urge believers to emulate the life
and example of Yeshua (1 Cor 11:1; 1 Jn 2:6). Since Yeshua modeled a prayer centered ministry
through the formation of a close-knit group of disciples (Lk 6:12-16), it makes sense that those
seeking to build and lead small groups today should follow tHis pattern.
This paper explores some foundations of forming small group leadership and
development. It begins with summaries of chapters 4 and 5 of The Big Book on Small Groups by
Jeffrey Arnold, followed by chapters 22-28 of Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey’s Leading Healthy,
Growing, Multiplying Small Groups. Within these summaries, the importance of group
covenants and types of small groups are discussed. Building on these resources as well as
instructional material from Liberty University’s Small Group Ministries course, the final section
of this paper will outline initial steps in forming a small group and provide an overview of the
type of group the author intends to build.
Arnold Summary
Building on earlier chapters, Arnold shifts in Chapter 4 from theory to practice,
structurally speaking for Assembly-based small groups, emphasizing prayer and covenant.
Prayer should be foundational since it is how Yeshua built His group, but even more it is
essential for aligning leaders with Hashem’s will, discerning members, and empowering group
1 Jeffrey Arnold, The Big Book on Small Groups (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2017), 62.
2
dynamics. Leaders are encouraged to search out and invite members committed to discipleship,
and once chosen, the group’s identity can be shaped through a covenant.2
Importance and Elements of Group Covenant
A group covenant defines priorities, it outlines identity as mentioned, expectations, roles
and logistics; it basically establishes clarity and accountability. A key part of covenant is
clarifying how time will be spent together, often following the inward (community), upward
(worship/study), and outward (service) models mentioned in the previous chapters. Early
meetings may include mingling, prayer, Bible study, and group activities. The covenant should
outline communication rules such as confidentiality, avoiding gossip, and encouraging honesty
to foster healthy interaction. Roles are also assigned such as leader, host, prayer leader, event
coordinator, outreach coordinator, etc. in order to support growth and prevent conflict. It may
also be helpful to discern what stage the group is in.3
Arnold identifies three group stages: the Just Getting Started (beginning) group (first 3
months), focusing on community and covenant. The Mature group (3–24 months), emphasizing
discipleship and leadership development, possibly multiplying without ever moving on to the
final stage; the Later group. This stage involves eventual disbanding, often due to life transitions
or members moving away.4
Small Groups
He concludes Chapter 4 by describing six types of small groups. They are as follows:
2 Ibid., 62-64.
3 Ibid., 70-72.
4 Ibid., 73-74.
3
Cell: Also called a Care or Home Group, is a type of group in an Assembly focused on fostering
community, spiritual growth, and ultimately, multiplication. Emphasized is personal care, Bible
study, prayer, worship, and outreach. Open to anyone willing to grow and commit to group
disciplines. These groups create an environment where love nurtures growth and discipleship,
while gradually incorporating evangelism and mission. Strength lies in their relational nature,
though long-term success requires intentional focus on multiplication.5
Discipleship: These groups are small, deeply committed gatherings (usually 2–4 people) focused
on personal and spiritual growth through close, accountable relationships, reflecting the way
Yeshua related to His disciples. These groups emphasize care, community, prayer, worship, and
Bible study, and are best suited for those serious about their faith. While they can be highly
transformative, it is important to set clear timeframes to prevent becoming stagnant or
exclusive.6Ministry: This is a small group centered on ministry, evangelism, and mission work. It
may function as a committee or a hands-on team. While its primary focus is outreach, it also
fosters personal care and community among members and may include study, prayer, or
worship. Ideal for those passionate about making a difference for Messiah, these groups must
be organized, guided by a shared covenant, and led with a clear vision for both discipleship and
mission.
Without this, they risk becoming overly task-oriented and losing their purpose.7
Special needs: Thie group focuses on emotional and relational healing, viewing the Assembly as
a place of restoration for brokenness. These groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other
12step programs, address specific issues. Their growing popularity reflects the deep needs they
5 Ibid., 76.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid., 77.
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meet, creating bridges to the community and potentially helping participants integrate into the
broader Assembly over time.8
Affinity: These groups formed around a shared interest, life stage, or characteristic, such as
young moms, teachers, or businesspeople. The focus is on mutual support, spiritual growth,
and community building, Bible study, prayer, and mission. Their strength lies in the natural
understanding and connection among members, but this can also limit broader learning by
reducing exposure to other perspectives.9
House Assemblies: These groups function as Assemblies within the home, often including
worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship. The leader acts as the group’s pastor, carrying both
spiritual authority and responsibility. Like cell groups, they welcome anyone seeking to grow in
Messiah. Their strength lies in offering intimate, member-driven worship and care. However,
they risk participants adopting a “spectator” mindset, limiting engagement and development.
Overall each small group has unique strengths, but are unified by a focus on community,
growth, and mission.10
In Chapter 5 Arnold builds naturally off the previous chapter’s framework for small
groups and shifts into the relational dynamics needed to sustain and deepen growth and
multiplication beginning with the analogy of a space shuttle launch which requires intentional
planning and unity to succeed, similar to discipleship and even fellowship.11 For some,
traditional fellowship can often lack depth due to its informal nature, but small groups will
normally
8 Ibid., 78.
9 Ibid., 79
10 Ibid., 76-78.
11 Ibid., 83.
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provide the avenue for the authentic community needed for emotional healing and spiritual
growth.12
Effective small groups value each person’s story, past, present, and future. Early
meetings should focus on past experiences to build trust, gradually shifting to current
challenges and future hopes. As a leader himself, Arnold offers a list of open-ended, sensitive
questions to guide this progression, helping leaders foster openness, to allow for healthy
sharing, and discern each member’s unique needs.13 Leaders should relate to individuals
purposefully and not casually or distantly, imitating Messiah in humility. Groups will then often
imitate (1 Cor 11:1) their leader’s tone and practices.14
Naturally circling back to the building blocks of prayer and covenant. Arnold stresses
how prayer is a leader’s most powerful tool, both in private and within the group. And group
covenants should include rules promoting trust: no gossip, confidentiality, and honesty. “It is the
leader’s job to make things happen in a positive way. Anyone could come in and tell others how
bad things are. A good leader comes in and, by reaching out to individuals, starts people moving
in the right direction.”15
Dempsey and Earley Summary
In the section covering chapters 22-28, Earley and Dempsey present a framework for
developing small group leaders. Similar to Arnold’s foundational building blocks, in chapter 22
and 23, Earley and Dempsey follow suit, prayer is the cornerstone or lifeblood of effective
12 Ibid., 85-86.
13 Ibid., 88-90.
14 Ibid., 96.
15 Ibid., 96-101.
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leadership, equating its necessity to oxygen for survival, affirming that consistent, intentional
prayer empowers leaders, fueling spiritual growth, and reinforces group multiplication.16
This foundation is then paired in chapter 23 with the need for clear purpose and
direction through a comprehensive group covenant. Establishing this covenant early on in the
meetings defines expectations such as: priority, prayer, confidentiality, and accountability,
creating a unified and focused group system with the goal of discipleship.17
Chapter 24 and 25 underline the two basic tools that encourage deeper engagement.
The first in Chapter 24, employ thought provoking questions modeled after Yeshua’s own along
with open ended questions to build deeper relationships and trigger open hearted
conversation. And the second in Chapter 25, using Scripture as the focus, urge participation and
question application to individuals.18
Leadership development or apprenticeship through relational, hands-on involvement
mentoring is addressed in Chapter 26.19 And in Chapter 27 the authors explore the challenge of
ministering to difficult and even stubborn people, advising leaders to use tactics such as “EGR”
(extra grace required), redirection, or even silence.19
16 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups (Nashville, TN: B&H
Academic, 2018), 85-86.
17 Ibid., 88-89.
18 Ibid., 91-95.
19 Ibid., 97-98.
19 Ibid., 101-103. One quick note on dealing with difficult personalities. Stay open-minded as a leader.
Sometimes the person you see as 'difficult' might actually have a deeper understanding of Scripture or more
experience in certain areas than even the leader. Do not be too quick to assume they are challenging authority just
to stir things up. They might genuinely be trying to help clarify something or offer an unfamiliar perspective. It is
important not to dismiss their input just because it feels uncomfortable.
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And finally, Chapter 28 faces the challenge of integrating children into the meetings.
Successful integration depends on creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to including the
whole family in spiritual formation.20 A fitting example is Voddie Baucham, pastor of Grace
Family Baptist Church. Within his ministry he runs a family integrated ministry model, also
known as a family discipleship approach. In this model all generations and levels are integrated
into learning and worshiping together, where parents bear the primary responsibility for the
evangelism and discipleship of their children.21
Creating the Group
The author of this paper intends to establish a House Discipleship group. Modeled after
Yeshua and aligned with the wisdom of Arnold, Earley, and Dempsey; prayer is the first step in
building a house discipleship group.22 Finding like minded believers may present challenges,
especially in a time when many no longer hold fast to the words of Yeshua (Mt 5:17-20; Jn 6:38,
14:15, 15:10; 1 Jn 5:3, 2:3-5; Lk 6:46) or the word given to the prophets (Dt 18:15; Isa 42:21; Jer
31:31-34; Eze 36:27; Mi 4:5; Ps 40:8; Pr. 30:5) particularly regarding the eternal nature of
Torah.23
Once the members are found and a group is formed a group covenant will be created to
establish clarity, accountability and shared priorities. This covenant will be explained thoroughly,
20 Ibid., 105-106.
21 Paul Renfro, Brandon Shields, and Jay Strother, Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views (Nashville, TN:
B&H Academic, 2009), 42.
22 Luke 6:12-16; Also Arnold, 62, and Earley and Dempsey, 85.
23 Disclaimer: Many believe they follow His words, but they clearly do not. Yeshua was an unblemished
Lamb, meaning He followed every command of the Torah perfectly, if not He would not have been the perfect
sacrifice. And the overwhelming majority of His followers do not walk as He did, nor imitate half the actions and
deeds He committed Himself to other than “love.” In no way does this author intend to offend, but love is
completely defined by what the Father commanded in the Torah (1 Jn 5:3) and those are Yeshua’s Words, not mine.
8
signed by each member as a sign of commitment, and revisited monthly to ensure members are
staying true to their values and goals.24
As the group’s leader, I will ensure the telos (end goal) is to equip each individual with
the necessary tools to eventually step into leadership themselves.25 Whether that means having
an apprentice or training each individual to do so, leadership development is essential. Without
it, the group risks fading as the flowers do.
The group will be limited to 10-12 people to foster deep relationships, personal
accountability, and meaningful dialogue. Roles will then be assigned to encourage leadership
opportunities for all.
Each meeting will open with prayer, a Scripture reading, and a few personal check-in
questions such as: What obstacles were overcome this week? Any challenges remaining? And
what might you be looking forward to in the coming weeks? From there, we will move into a
guided study led by myself, focused on a passage of Scripture, deeply exploring its meaning,
historical context, and personal application. The gathering will close in prayer led by different
individuals each time, lifting up each other, our families, and any specific needs that have been
brought to light.
The curriculum would progress through four key stages:
1. Understanding what it means to be a disciple of Messiah.
2. Understanding the message Yeshua received from the Father (Jn. 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 8:29,
12:49–50, 14:10; Phil. 2:8).
3. Learning to imitate Messiah (Mt. 16:24; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6).
24 Greg Ogden, Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ (Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007), 12 and 14.
25 Liberty University, “5 W’s PowerPoint.pptx,” DSMN630: Small Group Ministries, pg. 6, accessed April 18,
2025, https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/756543/files/111309697?module_item_id=82785634.
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4. Serving as disciples in the likeness of our great Rabbi, Yeshua (Lk. 6:40).
In conclusion, this paper provided a summary of the assigned readings for DSMN 630:
Small Group Ministries at Liberty University. Utilizing these resources, it highlighted the
importance of group covenant, outlined distinct types of small groups, and detailed the
approach this author would take in forming a discipleship-focused small group. The ultimate
goal is to further leadership development to advance the spread of the Good News the Father
gave His children since the beginning (Isa 42:6; Mt 5:16).
Bibliography
Arnold, Jeffrey. The Big Book on Small Groups. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2017.
Dempsey, Rod, and Dave Earley. Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying Small Groups. Nashville,
TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
Liberty University. “5 W’s PowerPoint.pptx.” DSMN630: Small Group Ministries. Accessed April
18, 2025. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/756543/files/111309697?module
_item_id=82785634.
Ogden, Greg. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ. Downers Grove, IL:
Intervarsity Press, 2007.
10
Renfro, Paul, Brandon Shields, and Jay Strother. Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views.
Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2009.
