Since starting my new position, I've had to build a team of dedicated volunteers to accomplish our mission or developing an authentic faith in Jesus Christ in kids that will last a lifetime.

Most of the team I'm building right now are Small Group Leaders.

In the past, these leaders were Sunday School teachers, so I am working on transitioning them from Sunday School to Small Group.

Some people may say that these two are the same, but in fact, their main goals make them fundamentally different.

In Sunday School, the goal is discipleship through instruction.  We're worried about whether or not the kids know the difference between the northern kingdom or the southern.  We make sure they know the different places Paul traveled on his three missionary journeys. Most importantly we teach them about Jesus and what he did.

In Small Groups, the goal is discipleship through relationship.  We're worried if a kid knows how to apply what their learning about the Bible.  We make sure we know about a kid's life and what's happening at home.  Most importantly we show them how Jesus loved and how we can do the same for others.

Recently, I trained a group of Sunday School teachers to be Small Group leaders using the five essentials laid out in Reggie Joiner's book Lead Small.

• Be present

• Create a safe place

• Partner with parents

• Make it personal

• Move them out

You can watch the training video below, and leave a comment with your if you’d like the script.  The graphics are part of the Do for a Few training kit found here.