Step-by-Step Small Group/Cell Group Meeting Plan

Introduction to a seven-step small group meeting

You know that something wonderful can happen when a group of people gets together to study what God has to say. Yet you might feel intimidated at the thought of leading a small group, or you might not know how to format or lead a small group. If so, you aren’t alone. I have led groups and taught classes hundreds of times. Before beginning many of them, I thought I wasn’t up to the task. Yet time after time, I prayed for God’s help and he came through.

Related: Benefits of small groups (cell groups)

Whatever the topic you are studying, this easy to follow seven-step meeting plan shows you how to lead small group. It can help you format and lead great small group Bible studies or studies of other books. May God bless you as you lead your group.

Your first small group meeting

Introduce yourself and tell a little about your life. Ask everyone to introduce himself or herself. Discuss your small group format, procedures, and ground rules such as:

• Speak courteously and respectfully.
• Read the chapter you will study ahead of time.
• Keep everything said in the group confidential.

The seven steps for a small group meeting

Step 1. Start the meeting with prayer.

Ask God to bless each person and to help everyone be open to what God says as you study. Also silently pray, asking God to help you lead the group.

Step 2. Have an icebreaker (optional).

Ask everyone a fun, easy question.

Related: Small group icebreakers

Step 3. Read the memory verse as a group.

If the chapter or book you are studying has a memory verse, read this verse out loud as a group. Encourage everyone to memorize it.

Step 4. Review key points in the pages you are studying.

Read the bold-faced text or headings that introduce points you think would be most useful for your group to discuss. Explain how they affect you personally. Ask group members to share what they got out of these points.

Related: Prevent small group disasters

Step 5. Ask questions to generate group discussions.

Ask questions about what you have read. Include factual or doctrinal questions as well as personal application questions.

Related: Ten open-ended questions to ask in any type of small group study

Related: Questions to ask in any small group Bible study

Step 6. Assign homework.

Ask the group to read the next chapter before your next meeting.

Step 7. Close in prayer.

Ask for prayer requests, then pray for everyone to grow in the area you studied and for each prayer request. One person could pray for the group or members could pray for each other.

Your last small group meeting

When you complete a study, ask if the small group would like to study another book. Also ask for feedback about the group’s format and procedures.

Next: Evaluate your small group leadership skills