Uploaded April 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Several years ago we made a decision that at the time seemed ridiculous! We decided that every group in our ministry needed TWO adult small group leaders. The ridiculousness???? We didn’t have enough leaders so that every group could actually be a “small” group and have just one leader. But, we decided that, if we are serious about a relationally based ministry, we simply had to do it. So we started…and, to be honest, we never got to the place where we had enough leaders. But, in the meantime, our ministry changed for the better.
In fact, the decision to embrace a co-leader strategy is one of the top 3 decisions we made over the years. And, though we knew there would be benefits to it (why else would you make a crazy decision like this?) we were surprised at just how many “perks” we discovered. Here are 7 of those to help you consider it.
In no particular order…
1. Coverage and Consistency - We no longer had to put groups together when a leader didn’t show. This was huge for our groups and the integrity of their time together. We also could keep moving if we lost a leader or two along the way.
2. The Immature - Too Mature Problem - We often had new excited Christians who wanted to help and, though I loved their energy, I was always cautious. We also had some, let’s say “seasoned” adults show up and I was a bit concerned they didn’t quite have enough energy. Putting these two types together actually proved to be a winning philosophy.
3. Better Relational Odds - Students are drawn to who they're drawn to. That’s just reality. When you give them more relational options you increase the odds that they will connect. The stronger the relationship the stronger the discipleship.
4. Morale - Youthworks is hard. It’s better to have someone with you. That simple.
5. Recruiting - When perspective volunteers heard there was a co-leader the tension was cut in half. 6. People were much more comfortable taking on the challenge…AND…they often like to choose their own co-leader which helped big time in recruiting!
6. Group Splits - Good groups grow. Some grow too much and they are no longer “small” groups. When it comes time to split them up you can send an established relationship in each direction. It’s still hard but it’s better.
7. Safety/Security/Liability - Having two adults in the room is just wise on several fronts. Plain and simple.
Several years ago we made a decision that at the time seemed ridiculous! We decided that every group in our ministry needed TWO adult small group leaders. The ridiculousness???? We didn’t have enough leaders so that every group could actually be a “small” group and have just one leader. But, we decided that, if we are serious about a relationally based ministry, we simply had to do it. So we started…and, to be honest, we never got to the place where we had enough leaders. But, in the meantime, our ministry changed for the better.
In fact, the decision to embrace a co-leader strategy is one of the top 3 decisions we made over the years. And, though we knew there would be benefits to it (why else would you make a crazy decision like this?) we were surprised at just how many “perks” we discovered. Here are 7 of those to help you consider it.
In no particular order…
1. Coverage and Consistency - We no longer had to put groups together when a leader didn’t show. This was huge for our groups and the integrity of their time together. We also could keep moving if we lost a leader or two along the way.
2. The Immature - Too Mature Problem - We often had new excited Christians who wanted to help and, though I loved their energy, I was always cautious. We also had some, let’s say “seasoned” adults show up and I was a bit concerned they didn’t quite have enough energy. Putting these two types together actually proved to be a winning philosophy.
3. Better Relational Odds - Students are drawn to who they're drawn to. That’s just reality. When you give them more relational options you increase the odds that they will connect. The stronger the relationship the stronger the discipleship.
4. Morale - Youthworks is hard. It’s better to have someone with you. That simple.
5. Recruiting - When perspective volunteers heard there was a co-leader the tension was cut in half. 6. People were much more comfortable taking on the challenge…AND…they often like to choose their own co-leader which helped big time in recruiting!
6. Group Splits - Good groups grow. Some grow too much and they are no longer “small” groups. When it comes time to split them up you can send an established relationship in each direction. It’s still hard but it’s better.
7. Safety/Security/Liability - Having two adults in the room is just wise on several fronts. Plain and simple.
