This 12-week training program is designed to equip digital small group leaders for Living Manna Online Digital Church with the biblical, technical, and relational skills they need to launch, nurture, and eventually multiply their own groups. The program provides ample time to learn, practice, and refine these skills while building a community of practice among emerging leaders.
A 12-week training program allows sufficient time to cover biblical, technical, and relational dimensions in depth, while giving leaders a chance to practice, receive feedback, and build confidence before launching their own digital small groups.
This duration is long enough to foster genuine transformation and a community of leaders, yet concise enough to maintain momentum and urgency.
Introduce the training program, its goals, and expectations
Establish a shared vision rooted in Living Manna's mission and the biblical mandate for discipleship
Walk through the 12-week structure, milestones, and desired outcomes.
Presentation on Living Manna Online Digital Church's vision, citing Hebrews 10:24-25 and Matthew 28:18-20.
Briefly discuss the importance of community and discipleship in the early church.
Each participant shares their name, background, and one personal goal for leading a digital small group.
In small breakout groups, participants craft a personal vision statement. Then, reconvene to share insights and create a collective "vision board" (using an online collaboration tool like Miro or Google Jamboard).
Introduce the idea of a group covenant and ask participants to brainstorm key elements they believe are essential.
Understand the biblical models for community, discipleship, and multiplication
Ground digital group leadership in scriptural principles
In-depth look at Acts 2:42-47 and 2 Timothy 2:2 to illustrate early church practices and leader development.
How these passages inform modern digital small group practices and multiplication.
Divide participants into small groups. Each group studies a key passage (e.g., Acts 2 or 2 Timothy 2:2) using guided questions:
Each breakout group presents their findings, followed by a full-group discussion to synthesize insights.
Identify the core qualities of effective digital small group leaders
Develop personal spiritual disciplines that underpin servant leadership
Teach on humility, accountability, empathy, and the willingness to serve.
Discuss prayer, Bible study, fasting, and reflection as tools for personal growth.
Provide a leadership inventory questionnaire so participants can reflect on their strengths and growth areas.
Ask each leader to write a brief reflection on a biblical leader they admire and how that example shapes their leadership style.
Present a scenario of a biblical leader (e.g., Paul's mentorship of Timothy) and facilitate a discussion on lessons applicable to digital ministry.
Build competence in using digital tools essential for online small groups
Learn best practices for a smooth, engaging virtual meeting experience
Live demonstration of platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or the church's dedicated app.
Cover features such as breakout rooms, screen sharing, recording, and managing chat functions.
Common technical challenges and quick fixes.
Participants join a practice Zoom meeting where they experiment with breakout rooms, muting/unmuting, screen sharing, and using virtual backgrounds.
A guided activity where leaders must find and use specific functions on the platform (e.g., change video layout, record a short clip).
A live troubleshooting round where participants ask about technical issues they've experienced or foresee.
Master techniques for facilitating engaging and interactive online discussions
Establish digital etiquette and clear communication guidelines for group sessions
Use of icebreakers, open-ended questions, and storytelling to encourage participation.
Tips for clear, concise messaging, active listening, and managing digital interactions.
How to set and reinforce a digital group covenant that includes confidentiality and respectful dialogue.
In breakout groups, practice leading a mini session that includes an icebreaker and a guided discussion segment. Rotate roles among facilitator and participants.
After each role-play, peers provide constructive feedback focusing on clarity, engagement, and digital presence.
Participants collaboratively draft a sample digital group covenant, then compare with best practices.
Recognize and nurture healthy group dynamics in a virtual setting
Develop strategies for resolving conflict and handling disruptive behavior
Discuss stages of group development (forming, storming, norming, performing) in an online context.
Techniques such as active listening, mediation, and setting boundaries.
Biblical and contemporary examples of conflict resolution in communities.
Present real-world digital group conflict scenarios. In small groups, participants discuss and propose resolution strategies.
Simulate a conflict situation in a breakout session where one participant acts as the disruptive member and the leader practices de-escalation techniques.
Reconvene to share insights and best practices for maintaining unity and trust.
Learn how to select, adapt, or create engaging curricula for digital small groups
Balance structured Bible study with open discussion and personal sharing
Overview of recommended Bible study curricula, digital interactive resources, and online discussion guides.
How to structure content so it's accessible, relevant, and engaging in an online format.
Tips for customizing existing resources to fit the unique needs of your group.
Divide into small groups to work on designing a mini-curriculum for a hypothetical session. Include discussion questions, multimedia elements, and an interactive activity.
Each group presents their curriculum outline, receiving peer feedback on clarity, relevance, and engagement.
Compile a list of digital resources and tools that participants can use for future curriculum development.
Understand how to prepare for and execute the multiplication of small groups
Develop strategies to identify and mentor emerging leaders
Study examples of multiplication in the early church (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:2) and its application to modern ministry.
Identifying when a group is ready to split (e.g., reaching 12-15 members) and setting a multiplication plan.
Introduce the "I do, you watch; you do, I help" model for developing co-leaders.
In breakout groups, work through a case study where a group reaches capacity. Develop a step-by-step multiplication plan, including leader selection and communication with members.
Practice coaching conversations between a current leader and an emerging leader using a structured dialogue.
Share challenges and ideas on how to maintain group intimacy even as numbers grow, reinforcing the idea that multiplication is an opportunity, not a loss.
Provide a safe environment to simulate a full digital small group session
Enhance real-time facilitation skills through practice and feedback
Review all components of an effective meeting—from opening prayer to closing reflection.
Summarize key tips from previous weeks (tech setup, facilitation techniques, conflict management).
Conduct a full-length simulated small group session. Each participant takes a turn facilitating while others participate as group members.
After each simulation, use a structured feedback form to discuss what worked well and what could be improved.
Optionally record sessions (with consent) for later review and self-reflection.
Prepare leaders to handle unexpected challenges and disruptions in online settings
Develop adaptability and problem-solving skills for digital ministry
Identify potential issues such as technical glitches, off-topic discussions, or sensitive topics that arise unexpectedly.
Present methods for crisis communication and swift decision-making in a virtual environment.
Discuss how to maintain a meeting's framework while adapting to real-time needs.
In small groups, simulate various crisis scenarios (e.g., a participant going off-script, unexpected tech failure) and develop response plans.
Share strategies and compare solutions, highlighting creative problem-solving and adaptability.
An open session for participants to ask questions about real-life challenges they've encountered or fear encountering.
Learn to assess the health and effectiveness of digital small groups using quantitative and qualitative measures
Develop a system for ongoing evaluation and improvement
Discuss key performance indicators such as attendance, engagement, participation, and spiritual growth.
Introduce methods for gathering member feedback (surveys, direct conversations, digital analytics).
Strategies to refine meeting content, facilitation skills, and digital interactions based on data.
In breakout groups, design an evaluation framework for small group meetings. Each group outlines survey questions, data collection methods, and follow-up processes.
Review sample feedback data and discuss how to interpret and act upon it.
Present your framework to the whole group for constructive feedback and final adjustments.
Synthesize learning from the program into a practical plan to launch a digital small group
Receive personalized feedback and finalize next-steps for ministry rollout
Recap key insights from all modules, emphasizing vision, technology, facilitation, multiplication, and evaluation.
Guidelines on creating a detailed group launch plan, including vision, curriculum, tech setup, leader roles, and growth strategies.
Each participant develops and presents a comprehensive launch plan for their own digital small group. Plans should cover:
Peers and mentors provide detailed feedback, and each presenter refines their plan based on suggestions.
Conclude with a celebration of achievements and a discussion on ongoing mentorship, leader huddles, and access to a resource hub.
Pair new leaders with experienced mentors for monthly check-ins during the first six months post-launch.
Establish monthly or bi-monthly accountability groups for continuous learning and peer support.
Provide access to an online repository with recorded sessions, templates, troubleshooting guides, and updated curriculum resources.
This detailed 12-week program not only builds technical and leadership skills but also instills a biblical vision for discipleship and multiplication.
The hands-on activities, role-plays, and real-world simulations are designed to prepare leaders to launch and sustain vibrant digital small groups that can grow and multiply organically.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
This passage illustrates the practices of the early church, including devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. It shows how believers shared their possessions and met together regularly.
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." This verse demonstrates the principle of multiplication in leadership and discipleship.
A humble leader acknowledges their own limitations and is open to learning from others.
Being accountable means taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
An empathetic leader can understand and share the feelings of their group members.
A servant leader puts the needs of their group members before their own.
Regular communication with God, seeking guidance and wisdom.
Deepening understanding of God's word through regular study and reflection.
Abstaining from food or other comforts to focus on spiritual growth.
Taking time to meditate on God's word and one's own spiritual journey.
Popular video conferencing platform with features like breakout rooms and screen sharing.
Collaboration platform that integrates chat, video meetings, and file storage.
Dedicated app for Living Manna Online Digital Church with custom features for small groups.
Learn how to create and manage smaller discussion groups within the main meeting.
Practice sharing your screen to present materials or collaborate on documents.
Understand when and how to record sessions for those who couldn't attend live.
Learn to effectively use and moderate the chat feature for engagement and questions.
Fun activities to help group members get to know each other and feel comfortable.
Questions that encourage thoughtful responses and deeper discussions.
Using personal or biblical stories to illustrate points and engage participants.
Use concise language and avoid ambiguity in your communication.
Pay full attention to speakers and provide thoughtful responses.
Learn to navigate the nuances of online communication, including non-verbal cues and digital etiquette.
Members get to know each other and establish initial connections.
Conflicts may arise as members navigate differing opinions and personalities.
The group establishes norms and begins to work together more effectively.
The group functions smoothly, with high productivity and strong relationships.
Fully concentrate on, understand, and respond thoughtfully to what is being said.
Act as a neutral third party to help conflicting parties reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Establish clear guidelines for behavior and communication within the group.
Ensure content is easily understood and navigable for all group members.
Connect biblical teachings to contemporary life situations and challenges.
Incorporate interactive elements and multimedia to maintain interest and participation.
Leaders develop new leaders who start their own groups
Train and prepare group members for leadership roles
Nurture spiritual growth and maturity in group members
Bring people together in small groups for fellowship and study
The mentee observes the mentor leading the group, taking note of techniques and strategies.
The mentee begins to take on small leadership roles within the group, with guidance from the mentor.
The mentee takes the lead in running the group, with the mentor providing support and feedback.
The mentee is ready to lead their own group, with occasional check-ins from the mentor.
Begin the session by inviting God's presence and guidance.
A short activity to help members connect and prepare for discussion.
The main content of the meeting, focusing on scripture and its application.
Time for members to share personal prayer needs.
End the session by praying for the group and individual needs.
Internet connectivity issues, audio/video problems, or platform malfunctions.
Conversations that stray from the intended focus of the meeting.
Unexpected personal or controversial issues that arise during discussions.
Tracking the number of participants and frequency of their attendance.
Measuring participation levels in discussions and activities.
Assessing personal testimonies and observable changes in members' lives.
Monitoring the development of new leaders and the formation of new groups.
Regular online questionnaires to gather quantitative and qualitative feedback from group members.
One-on-one check-ins with group members to discuss their experiences and needs.
Utilizing platform data to track engagement metrics such as attendance and participation.
Collect input from group members and observe meeting dynamics.
Review feedback and metrics to identify areas for improvement.
Create specific strategies to address identified issues or enhance strengths.
Put new strategies into practice during group sessions.
Assess the impact of changes and gather new feedback.
Finalize and present your comprehensive launch plan for your digital small group.
Connect with your assigned mentor and join a leader huddle for continuous learning and accountability.
Familiarize yourself with the online resource hub for ongoing reference and support.
Set a target date for launching your digital small group and begin implementing your plan.
12-Week Digital Small Group Leadership Training Program