Introduction
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Small group leaders are often seen as the “shepherds” of their groups. But biblically, the responsibility of care is not on one person’s shoulders alone.
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Today, we’ll talk about what it means for leaders to care, for the whole group to care, and for leaders to equip others to multiply care.
1. A Group Leader Provides Care
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Key Idea: Leaders set the tone by modeling prayer, compassion, and intentional follow-up.
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Leaders show care by praying for each member (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3), following up during the week, and stepping in when help is needed.
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Care involves both spiritual support (praying, mentoring, teaching) and practical support (helping in times of need).
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Scripture: Philippians 2:4 – “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
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Scripture: Romans 12:10 – “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
2. The Whole Group Provides Care
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Key Idea: The Bible calls every believer to participate in mutual care. It’s not just the leader’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility.
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When members love, forgive, encourage, and counsel each other, the group grows in spiritual maturity.
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Scripture: Colossians 3:12-16 – Clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; forgiving one another; teaching and counseling each other with wisdom.
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Scripture: Galatians 6:2 – “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
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Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together… but encourage one another.”
3. A Group Leader Equips Others to Care
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Key Idea: Leaders create an environment where group members use their gifts to care for one another.
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Leaders should resist the urge to do everything themselves. Instead, equip others for ministry.
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Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12 – Leaders are given “to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church.”
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Equipping happens in the group meeting (encouragement, prayer, discussion) and outside of it (meeting needs, offering resources, sharing burdens).
4. Train People to Mentor
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Key Idea: The caring capacity of a group grows when leaders train others to mentor.
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Leaders should begin with co-leaders, sharing responsibility and modeling care.
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Then, expand by encouraging other group members to take initiative in mentoring and supporting one another.
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Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 – “You have heard me teach things… Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
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Care and discipleship multiply when members are empowered to mentor, pray for, and encourage each other.
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Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10 – “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Conclusion
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A healthy group is not one where the leader does all the caring—it’s one where the whole body is engaged in care.
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Leaders model, the group shares, and leaders equip others to multiply care.
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Final Challenge: Take someone through the Pursuit Training series
When a small group truly becomes a caring family—where prayer, compassion, and practical service flow naturally—the result is life-changing. Not only are needs met, but Christ’s love is made visible in powerful ways. This is the kind of community that transforms lives and reflects the heart of Jesus.
