Group Leader Commitments
The Basics
Group leaders must…
Be members of Griggs for at least one full year and aligned with our mission, vision, values, and statement of faith.
Be committed to the authority structure of Griggs Groups and, ultimately, the Griggs elders.
Be faithfully attending Sunday worship at Griggs.
Strive to live out the qualifications for leadership found in 1 Timothy 3—especially being above reproach and maintaining spiritual health both publicly and privately.
The Goal
The goal is to make disciples*. This happens by reading Scripture together, interpreting it in a Jesus-centered way**, and guiding group members to reflect on how the passage challenges them to take a next step in their walk with Christ.
*A disciple is someone learning to live like Jesus. Making disciples begins with being a disciple.
A disciple moves from “Point A” to “Point B.” For example: If your “Point A” is struggling with unhealthy worry, and you decide to memorize Jesus' words about anxiety in Matthew, you've taken a step—your “Point B”—in a Jesus-ward direction. That’s being a disciple.
Making disciples means helping others do the same. So if someone in your group says, “I rarely read my Bible because I always forget,” that’s their “Point A.” You might encourage them to download a Bible reading app—that’s a potential “Point B.”
The purpose of Griggs Groups is to uncover each other’s “Point A’s” through conversation, then consistently encourage one another—through testimony, empathy, wisdom, and community—toward “Point B’s.” Leaders should follow up in the weeks to come and celebrate when anyone makes meaningful progress.
**Interpreting the Bible in a Jesus-centered way means avoiding the tendency to reduce Scripture to a list of do’s and don’ts. Instead, we recognize it as the story of how Jesus saved us through his love—so we respond with love, particularly obedience. This approach avoids “try harder” applications and promotes responses rooted in the gospel: “We love (and obey) Him because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
The Time Commitment
The weekly time commitment is approximately 3–4 hours, (including 1.5 hours at Griggs Groups on Wednesday nights). Group leaders must be able to attend at least 8 out of every 10 Wednesdays—no more than 3 absences in the fall and 4 in the spring.
In addition, leaders should spend 1–2 hours each week:
Reading the weekly passage for their own grouth
Preparing for group discussion
Communicating with their co-leader and group members
Meeting one-on-one with members as needed
Intentionally praying for their group members
Following up with any recent visitors and connecting with them
The Extra-Curriculars
Beyond the weekly rhythm, leaders are expected to participate in additional activities throughout the year.
In 2025–2026, leaders will attend approximately three seasonal training sessions (Fall & Spring). These trainings will typically be on Sunday afternoons and last about 1.5 hours each.
Each group should plan at least one social gathering outside of Wednesday night in both the fall and spring.
Each group will also be responsible for:
Providing one meal for Neighborhood Network during the school year
Providing one Wednesday night meal for the church during the summer
The Communication
Here are the commitments on communication…
Each group will have a co-leader who is being developed for future leadership. Leaders and co-leaders should stay aligned on all group matters—whether related to conflict, scheduling, or events.
A male coach will support all male leaders, and a female coach will support all female leaders. Leaders are expected to communicate promptly with their coach about group dynamics or discipleship concerns.
Additionally, any major life changes (engagement, pregnancy, moving) or scheduling conflicts that may affect a leader’s ability to fulfill these commitments should be communicated to their coach or to Kaitlyn Matthews, our Griggs Groups Coordinator.
Leaders should notify their co-leader and group members well in advance when they expect to miss a Wednesday. Each group should also have a reliable method of communication (e.g., group text, Facebook group, etc.).
When a group leader is ready to step down, they must work with their coach and Kaitlyn Matthews to ensure a healthy and smooth transition to new leadership.
Back to the Basics
Above all, we are asking group leaders to actively follow Jesus and live as an example of a disciple to their group. This means being authentic, honest about weaknesses, and vulnerable—while still taking personal spiritual health seriously.
