LG Guide October 2026 | L2L Chapter 3: Building a Healthy Small Group

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Oct 2

Chapter 3

What are the components of a healthy Small Group?

An ideal Small Group comprises a minimum of a tripod (a leader, an apprentice, an assistant) and at least one seeker. A “tripod” forms the group’s core, reflecting the sturdy three “legs” needed for a tripod to stand.

Elements of a Tripod:

Leader: one who leads a Small Group.
Apprentice: one who co-leads with the Leader to lead their own Small Group eventually. The Apprentice also helps follow up and disciple new believers.
Assistant: The third believer committed to anchoring the group and supporting the leader and apprentice by being faithful in attendance, helping to facilitate discussions, and helping to disciple new believers. They would most logically be in line to become the next apprentice before ultimately becoming a leader of a new group.

Seekers: Small Groups are a way to help those who are not yet walking with God find faith through relational discipleship. Healthy Small Groups will always have a mix of committed Christians, seekers, and new believers.

We have found that groups that have healthy and active tripods have the greatest potential for success. Therefore, we focus on developing tripods in every group.

Every member is a minister.

We believe that every member is a minister and has the potential to lead their own group one day. Therefore, leaders should give each member opportunities to grow by giving them responsibilities to lead within the group by:

Doing personal follow-up
Leading a cluster discussion
Assisting with administrative tasks
Helping with baptisms
Helping host meetings
Planning outreaches

Groups will have a more significant impact as they activate everyone to lead.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How is the health of your tripod? If not, who are potential people who could become an apprentice or assistant? What are the next steps to help develop them?
How do we activate others to be ministers within the Small Group?