Interview with a Small Group Leader (Irene Wong)

Small Group Leader Interview with Irene Wong

Tell us briefly a bit about the small group you're currently leading.

I'm leading a family-focused small group consisting of 6 couples and their children (there are 9 and counting!) We've been meeting for approximately a year now.

How long have you been a small group leader at Cornerstone now?

I've been a small group leader for close to 7 years now.

How did you first get involved with small group leading?

I first got involved with small group leading when my small group at the time had decided to end. I was challenged by my small group leader to think about leading a new small group as there was a need for it. I remember my initial thought was a definite "no" as I did not see myself as "leader material". I didn't consider myself as a person who was dynamic, outgoing, good at speaking in front of people, or have extensive Bible knowledge, etc. - all qualities that I attributed to being a good leader. I'm more quiet, shy and introverted and often have difficulty remembering the simplest of Bible verses. My small group leader encouraged me by helping me to see that being a good small group leader was not so much about me but that it was simply having the desire to obey and serve God. He saw potential in other qualities I had and helped me to see that God could use them to benefit and encourage others. He also suggested that I could receive Turbo Training (small group leaders' training) to help me build on some of the leadership skills that I felt unsure about (i.e., how to deal with conflict, how to covenant and lead discussions and bible studies). I eventually agreed to co-lead a newcomers' small group.

Can you tell us about support you've received that has helped you in growing in your own faith and as a small group leader?

As I had previously mentioned, I received Turbo training which provided the fundamentals of leading a small group. The training highlighted important aspects of small group life and also modeled scenarios that would often arise when leading a small group. It was invaluable in molding my understanding of small groups as well as providing me with skills that I still use now as a leader in ministry and as a teacher professionally. As a small group leader here at Cornerstone, I also have the great privilege of getting support from our small groups coach, Jeremy, on a regular basis. Jeremy holds a VHS meeting for all small group leaders to attend every other month to pray and talk about our small groups. We have the opportunity to share as a community of leaders our struggles, trade ideas as well as give support and encouragement to one another. VHS has helped me grow as a leader because I know that I'm not doing it on my own. I know that I have the prayer support of a coach and other leaders. They are a source of accountability in reminding me to pray, celebrating with me when I've experienced God in my group, and coming alongside me when I'm frustrated or struggling with something. I feel that I've really grown personally as a result of being a part of the VHS community.

Leading a small group obviously takes time and commitment. What are some reasons that you continue to lead a group?

I continue to lead a group because God has used small groups throughout my own life to transform and grow me in my own journey as a Christ-follower. I believe that investing in God's people is something that is close to God's heart and something that He desires from each of us. Those are some of the reasons that I continue to lead a group.

What kind of person do you think would make a good small group leader?

Someone who has a willing heart to serve God and care for others.

What words of encouragement would you give to those people?

As a leader, I definitely don't have everything all figured out. With each group that I've been involved in, God continues to teach me a lot about small group leading and what it means to care for and love others. It's not always easy to do life with others and I confess that there are moments that are difficult and challenging. However, I encourage those of you who are sitting on the fence and trying to decide whether or not to lead a group to go for it. It is all worth it. It is worth every second of time and commitment when you are able to walk alongside someone who tells you that they are growing in their walk with God. It is worth it when you can pray for someone in your group who is discouraged or struggling with something in life and see how God answers prayer and blesses their life. It is worth it because in the end, it pleases God when we help people draw closer to Him. I encourage you not to think about what skills or qualities you lack but to think about how God could potentially use you to transform lives for His glory. Sometimes we get so caught up with looking inward at our weaknesses and seeing how inadequate we are that we forget that God is the one who is ultimately "leading the group". We just need to be obedient, open and committed to letting Him use us.