What Does It Take to be a Shepherd Church Life Group Leader?
What It Means to Be a Shepherd Life Group Leader
At Shepherd Church, Life Groups are at the heart of our mission to help people Connect, Grow, and Impact.
A Life Group Leader is more than a host or facilitator—they are a shepherd of people.
To lead a group is to create a space where men and women can be known, encouraged, and challenged to become more like Christ. It’s a calling rooted in both humility and vision: humility, because leaders recognize they are simply guiding others toward Jesus, and vision, because they see what can happen when God transforms lives through community.
Being a Life Group Leader means modeling what it looks like to walk with Christ in everyday life.
Leaders aren’t expected to have all the answers, but they are called to set the pace—through prayer, faithfulness to God’s Word, and authentic relationships. Leaders embody hospitality by welcoming people as they are, creating environments where conversations are safe, honest, and centered on Scripture.
What a Life Group Leader Does
Practically, Life Group Leaders facilitate weekly gatherings using Shepherd’s Life Group curriculum, which follows the weekend sermon series or special studies.
They guide discussions, encourage participation, and help the group move through the “4Ws” of our studies:
Welcome
Worship
Word
Witness.
Beyond the weekly rhythm, leaders check in with members, celebrate milestones, and walk with people through seasons of both joy and hardship.
Life Group Leaders also partner with Shepherd’s pastoral team by staying connected, attending trainings, and sharing updates about their group. In doing so, they extend the reach of Shepherd Church—bringing the mission of Jesus from the large gathering into living rooms, coffee shops, and neighborhoods.
There are two ways to looks at leading a Life Group: Heartfelt & Technical
At the heart of leading a Life Group is the joy of simply gathering with others. It's about creating space for:
Meaningful conversations around God’s Word
Honest dialogue about life’s highs and lows
Engaging with video lessons and discussion questions based on weekend sermons
Prayer and encouragement that uplifts and unites
Laughter and genuine friendship
Spiritual growth through consistent community
The technical side of leading a Life Group provides the structure that helps your group thrive. These key responsibilities include:
Taking attendance to help us stay connected and care well for every group member
Updating your group roster so we know who’s actively involved
Meeting with your overseeing pastor for prayer, encouragement, and support
Attending leader gatherings and trainings designed to strengthen and equip you
In short, Life Group Leaders are frontline disciple-makers, shaping the culture of our church one circle at a time.