Venture Group Leader Hub

DOWNLOAD YOUR LEADER GUIDE HERE

THE GOAL OF A VENTURE GROUP

A Venture Group is not another church service, and the leader is not the second preacher.

Your role is to facilitate conversation, create community, encourage spiritual growth, and help people take their next step with Jesus.

You don’t have to have every answer, and you don’t have to do all the talking. Your job is to create an environment where people can engage God’s Word, connect with one another, and grow.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Leading a Venture Group

Leader Guide Week 1

The Do’s

  • Get the conversation going, then let the group participate. Ask questions, listen well, and give people room to respond.

    If you’re talking 70% of the time, you’re probably preaching again.

  • Don’t feel like you have to rush to the next question. When someone shares something meaningful, dig a little deeper:

    • “Tell us more about that.”

    • “Why do you think that is?”

    • “Has anyone else experienced something similar?”

    • “How does that connect with what we just read?”

  • The Bible is the foundation of the conversation. Encourage people to support their thoughts from the passage rather than simply sharing opinions.

    A great question: “Where do you see that in the passage?”

  • Conversations will wander. That’s normal. When they do, gently bring the group back to the question and topic.

    Try: “That’s a great thought. Let’s bring it back to what we’re talking about here.”

    Redirecting isn’t shutting someone down—it’s helping the group stay focused.


  • Some people naturally talk more; others need an invitation. Pay attention to who is participating.

    “We’ve heard from a few people. I’d love to hear from someone who hasn’t shared yet.”

    Don’t force participation, but create opportunities for everyone to engage.


  • People may share things that are personal or difficult. Listen without judgment. Be gracious, patient, and confidential.

    People should feel safe enough to be honest and loved enough to be challenged to grow.


  • You are not expected to have every answer.

    “I’m not sure. Let’s look at the passage together.”

    Humility builds trust. When necessary, involve Venture leadership rather than guessing.


  • Keep the conversation moving. Not every question needs a 20-minute discussion.

    Know when to dig deeper—and when to move on.


  • The goal isn’t simply a great conversation. We want people to grow.

    Ask: “What does God want me to do with what I just learned?”


The Don’ts

  • The group exists to help people process, discuss, and apply what they heard, not hear the leader preach it again.

    Ask. Listen. Engage. Move forward.

  • Don’t answer your own questions before anyone has a chance to respond. Don’t be afraid of silence.

    A few seconds of awkward silence is okay. Give people time to think.

  • No politics. Venture Groups are not the place for political debates, partisan arguments, candidates, parties, elections, or political controversies.

    If politics comes up:

    “Let’s bring this back to the passage and what God is teaching us.”

    We can disagree politically and still pursue Christ together.

  • One comment can quickly turn into another, and suddenly you’re 25 minutes into a conversation that has nothing to do with the topic.

    The goal isn’t to explore every interesting thought. The goal is to have a meaningful conversation around God’s Word.


  • If someone consistently dominates, gently step in:

    “Thanks for sharing that. Let’s hear from someone else.”

    Good leadership protects the quieter voices in the room.

  • People may have legitimate frustrations, but Venture Group shouldn’t become a weekly opportunity to complain about the church, the sermon, or other people.

    When appropriate, redirect with: “What would it look like for us to respond to this biblically?”

  • Your goal isn’t to prove you’re right.

    Listen. Ask questions. Go back to Scripture. Keep the tone gracious.

    You can disagree without becoming disagreeable.

  • If someone gives a wrong answer or shares something vulnerable, don’t make them the punchline.

    Correct biblical error when necessary, but do it with truth and grace. If something needs more attention, handle it privately or involve Venture leadership.

  • What is shared in the group should be treated with care.

    Don’t gossip about group members or repeat personal information outside the group.

    If there is a legitimate safety or pastoral concern, involve Venture leadership.

  • You are a group leader—not the Holy Spirit, a counselor, or everyone’s personal problem solver.

    Sometimes the best thing you can do is listen, pray, and help someone take their next step.


WHEN THINGS GET AWKWARD…

Because they will.

Someone will say something unexpected. Someone will disagree. Someone will go off topic. Someone will dominate the conversation. Someone will ask a question you can’t answer.

Don’t panic.

Take a breath, smile, and lead the conversation forward.

You don’t have to control every moment. You simply need to help the group stay:

BIBLICAL. RELATIONAL. FOCUSED.

   THE VENTURE GROUP LEADER CHECKLIST

Before you leave your group, ask yourself:

☐ Did everyone have an opportunity to participate?
☐ Did we stay connected to Scripture?
☐ Did we avoid unnecessary rabbit trails?
☐ Did I listen more than I talked?
☐ Did people feel safe enough to be honest?
☐ Did we move beyond discussion toward application?
☐ Did we encourage one another toward a next step?

REMEMBER YOUR ROLE

You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room.
You don’t have to have every answer.
You don’t have to lead the perfect discussion.

Your job is to create the environment.

Create a place where people can connect with others, engage God’s Word, be honest about where they are, and take their next step.