Free Resources and Tips to Help You Lead Well

Leading a Small Group

Step 1

Begin with Prayer

Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your leadership. Pray for your group, your mission, and the people God has entrusted to your care. Ask him to show you how he is calling you to serve.

Step 2

Choose Your Program

Select a program that fits your group’s faith experience, interests, and goals. Ascension offers programs on Scripture, Catholic beliefs, spiritual growth, and more.

Step 3

Build Your Team

You don’t have to lead alone. Invite others to help with facilitation, prayer, hospitality, promotion, and logistics.

Step 4

Gather Your Resources

Take advantage of Ascension’s free resources on this page. Sign up for free trainings, download the Quick Start Guide, and more.

Step 5

Plan the Details

Choose a meeting time, prepare your space, and order materials before your first session. A little preparation helps your group feel welcomed and ready.

Step 6

Invite Others

Grow your group through personal invitations, parish announcements, emails, social media, and Ascension’s free promotional resources.

Step 7

Build Community

A small group is about more than completing a study. Encourage connection through prayer, conversation, encouragement, and fellowship.

Step 8

Lead with Hospitality

Create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Encourage respectful discussion, honest sharing, and applying Scripture to daily life.

Step 9

Keep the Momentum

Simple actions make a big difference. Send reminders, celebrate milestones, check in with participants, and stay consistent.

Step 10

Continue the Journey

Celebrate what God has done through your group and discuss what comes next. Your small group is just the beginning of an ongoing journey of faith, friendship, and formation.

Interested in Learning More?

If you want to go beyond this ten-step overview, read The Ultimate Guide to Leading a Catholic Bible Study by the Ascension Team to dive deeper into what it takes to lead well.