Shepherding People in Hard Moments

Hey Community Group Leaders,

Over the past few emails, we’ve talked about guarding the culture of biblical community—protecting unity, handling conflict, and creating a culture of vulnerability.

When vulnerability begins to take root in a group, something interesting happens.

People start opening up.

Sometimes that looks like sharing prayer requests or struggles. Other times it looks like someone revealing something deeper—marriage issues, anxiety, addiction, doubts about faith, or seasons of real hardship. These conversations can happen during your group time or during one-on-one conversations; either way, they can be intimidating.

You might think:

What do I say?

How am I supposed to fix this?

What if I say the wrong thing?

Let me encourage you with something simple:

You are not called to fix people. You are called to shepherd them.

Often, the most powerful thing you can offer someone in a difficult moment is simply your presence.

When someone opens up in your group, here are a few simple things that help tremendously:

• Listen well. Let them finish their story without interrupting.
• Thank them for sharing. Vulnerability takes courage.
• Pray for them. Invite God into the moment.
• Resist the urge to give advice immediately.

Many times, people don’t need quick answers—they just need to know they are not alone.

Galatians 6:2 reminds us:

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

That is exactly what healthy groups do. They carry burdens together.

Now, there will be times when situations require more help than a group leader should carry alone. Marriage crises, significant mental health struggles, or patterns of destructive sin are all moments when it’s wise to loop in pastoral care. And that’s not a failure of leadership—it’s wisdom. You are not alone in shepherding the people in your group. Our pastors are always here to walk alongside you when situations require additional care.

Even when things are hard and heavy, do not underestimate the impact of what happens in your group each week. A listening ear, a prayer offered in faith, a group that surrounds someone in love. Those moments often become turning points in people’s lives. Don't give up or be discouraged because of your faithfulness and love; people are growing in their faith, even when it doesn't feel that way at times.

Thank you for the way you care for the people God has entrusted to you.

Grateful for you,

Nathan

404-213-434