Pastor, you’re probably convinced that small groups are key to the development of your church. So you’re in at least one yourself, right?

We all know that churches tend to take on the personalities of their leaders, and things are better caught than taught. If you aren’t participating in a small group yourself, people will know you don’t really value them no matter what you say. It’s a lot like the parent laying on the couch with a video game controller telling his kids they should get out of the house and play.

Are you worried that you can’t really share things about yourself because you’re the pastor? Get over it! The most successful spiritual leaders share their struggles, at least to some extent. You can’t lead others where you aren’t willing to go, and you can’t fall off a pedestal you don’t allow people to put you upon. It’s quite possible to walk the line between being an authentic co-journeyer with others, and over-sharing. (When people start shouting “TMI” that’s a hint.)

Of course “better caught than taught” doesn’t mean you don’t need to talk about it. Be on the lookout for frequent opportunities to mention small groups from the platform, whether you’re praising the outreach effort of some group during the announcement or emphasizing how they enhance spiritual growth during the sermon. Tell the church about something great that you experienced in your own small group. Think about how powerful it will be to the congregation that you (lofty spiritual guru that you are) can still benefit from small groups!

And don’t forget the reminder in Ephesians 4:11-12 that it’s the responsibility of church leaders to equip others to succeed. If your small groups need curriculum, buy it for them. Provide training for leaders. Teach them how to facilitate discussion rather than dominating it. Teach them how to spot potential leaders in their group and apprentice the next set of leaders.

Deciding you want a successful small group program and appointing someone to lead it isn’t enough. If you want small groups to be successful at your church, it has to start at the top.

Brian Proffit brings experience as senior pastor, discipleship pastor, and small group director to his role as senior editor of Group’s Church Volunteer Central.