Know, guide, and care for your people.
T-Life Groups are smaller communities where people grow in relationship with Jesus, connect meaningfully in community, and impact others for Jesus.
As a leader, you help create the conditions for that growth. You pay attention to people, learn their stories, guide them toward Jesus, and help them care for one another.
You don’t have to lead perfectly. You’re called to shepherd faithfully.
Begin with your own relationship with Jesus
The life you live shapes the way you lead. Establish regular rhythms spending time in God’s Word, prayer, and putting your faith into practice.
You can lead well while you’re still growing. Be willing to learn, acknowledge when you get something wrong, and share how God is working in your life. Your example helps people see what following Jesus looks like in everyday life.
Know the people you’re leading
Every person brings a story into your group: relationships, experiences, questions, hopes, and hurts. Getting to know those stories helps you care for people more thoughtfully.
Listen for what matters to them. Notice who seems disconnected, who is taking a step of faith, and who may need encouragement. Follow up on what people share.
A simple conversation can open the door:
“How have you been doing since we last talked?”
“What has your relationship with Jesus looked like lately?”
“What would be helpful for me to understand?”
“How can I pray for you this week?”
Relationships grow through consistent attention, both during group and between gatherings.
Lead with a shepherd’s posture
The way you respond shapes whether people feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and growing.
Curious, not correcting
Seek to understand before offering an answer. When someone shares something unexpected or difficult, ask a thoughtful question and listen.
Try: “Tell me a little more about that.”
Curiosity helps you understand what someone needs before deciding how to respond.
Humble, not defensive
Receive questions and feedback with openness. You don’t need to protect your image or prove that you have every answer.
Try: “Thank you for telling me how you’re feeling, this helps me understand you better.”
When you make a mistake, acknowledge it and take responsibility. Humility helps build trust.
Teachable, not threatened
Stay open to what God may teach you through your group, your coach, and other leaders. Ask for help when you’re unsure.
Try: “I don’t know the answer to that. Let’s explore it together.”
Being teachable gives others permission to keep learning, too.
Intentional, not passive
Pay attention and take a loving next step. Follow up when someone is absent. Make room for a quieter person. Address a recurring tension before it becomes part of the group’s culture.
Try: “I wanted to check in about something I’ve noticed.”
Intentional care often begins with a small action that communicates, “You matter, and I’m paying attention.”
Calm when group life gets messy
People may share painful experiences, disagree, or respond with strong emotions. Slow down, listen, and give yourself room to respond thoughtfully.
Try: “Let’s pause for a moment. I want us to handle this with care,” or “Let’s stop now and pray together.”
You don’t have to resolve every situation in the moment. You can guide the conversation and seek support afterward.
Guide people toward their next step
Help your group connect what they’re learning with how they’re living. Make room for observing, interpreting and applying scripture, prayer, honest conversation, and practical application.
Ask questions such as:
“What do you notice about this verse/passage?”
“What does this help us understand about Jesus?”
“Where does this connect with your life right now?”
“What might a faithful next step look like this week?”
Encourage them to also take next steps in their faith, or at Relevant as a member of the Body of Christ. Serving, Baptism, Giving, or signing up for Relevant 101 are incredible and often life changing next steps.
People will be at different places in their spiritual journeys. Get to know where they are, encourage their growth, and follow up with interest rather than pressure.
As you notice leadership potential, speak encouragement into it. Give people opportunities to contribute, and connect with Anna about possible next steps toward apprenticing.
Help care become part of your group’s culture
Invite group members to pray for each other, follow up on needs, offer practical help, and celebrate what God is doing.
When someone shares something heavy, begin by listening. Acknowledge what they’ve shared, ask what would be helpful, and make room for prayer before moving toward advice.
You can help your group become a community where people both receive care and learn to care for others.
Know when to involve others
Some needs require support beyond what a T-Life Group can provide. Reaching out is part of wise shepherding.
Stay connected with your coach or Network Lead. Contact Anna when you’re unsure how to respond, a group tension continues, or someone’s needs seem beyond what you or the group can offer. She can help you think through next steps and connections to additional care.
You are responsible for how you lead and respond. You cannot make someone’s decisions for them or carry responsibility for their transformation.
A simple check-in
Take a moment regularly to ask:
Who in my group needs a personal check-in?
Whose story do I need to understand better?
Where do I see growth I can encourage?
Is there a conversation or next step I’ve been putting off?
Where do I need help from my coach or Anna?
Faithful shepherding grows through these everyday choices: showing up, listening well, caring consistently, and pointing people toward Jesus.