TROUBLESHOOTING SMALL GROUPS

Leading a small group Bible study is a meaningful way to help others grow in their faith—but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Some nights feel awkward, distracted, or completely off track.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” or “How do I handle this?”—you’re not alone.

If you haven’t already read Four Quick Tips to Lead a Small Group, I’d encourage you to CLICK HERE for some foundational guidance before diving into troubleshooting.

Here are four common challenges small group leaders face and some practical ways to navigate them with confidence.

1. Help! No one is talking.

When a group isn’t talking, it can feel awkward and uncomfortable. It’s easy to jump in and answer all the discussion questions yourself, but the goal of a small group is to get everyone involved and engaged.

The good news? There are simple ways to help people open up:

  • Start with an icebreaker that anyone can answer. This helps participants feel comfortable speaking right away.
  • Have group members read the questions aloud. Including them in simple tasks can build confidence and encourage engagement.
  • Give participants time to write down their answers before sharing. You can even go around the circle afterward. Thinking first helps relieve the pressure of being put on the spot.
  • Call on people when needed. Be mindful and use a kind, encouraging tone.
  • Be patient. As trust grows within the group, people will begin to open up more naturally.

2. Help! One person is dominating the discussion.

Most groups have someone who is eager to answer every question. While their enthusiasm is valuable, it can prevent others from engaging.

Here are a few ways to create space for everyone:

  • Thank them for sharing, then invite someone new to answer first.
  • If others hesitate to speak, use the writing strategy above to give them time to process.
  • Ask, “What else?” after the first response to encourage additional input. If someone says they had the same answer, invite them to share it in their own words.
  • For long-winded responses, gently set a boundary by saying something like, “In less than a minute, share what you learned about…” This helps keep answers focused and gives others time to contribute.

3. Help! Everyone is off-topic.

Depending on the group’s age or familiarity, conversations can easily drift. A little off-topic discussion can be a good thing—it helps people bond—but it’s important to guide the group back when needed.

Here’s how to do that well:

  • Kindly but clearly redirect the group. You might say, “Let’s come back to that later—let’s finish these questions first.”
  • With younger groups, you can pause and wait quietly. Often, they’ll recognize the cue and refocus.
  • If possible, adjust seating in future meetings by separating those who tend to distract each other.
  • Set clear expectations at the beginning of your group time, and briefly revisit them each week.

4. Help! Friends are more interested in their own conversation.

Sometimes friends in a group are more focused on catching up than participating. It happens—but it can be managed with intentionality and care.

Try these strategies:

  • Involve them by asking them to read passages or questions aloud.
  • Call on them occasionally so they stay engaged and attentive.
  • If needed, suggest they sit separately—but do so gently and without embarrassing them.
  • If you anticipate this being an issue, talk with them privately ahead of time and set expectations.
  • If you rotate groups, place them in different groups or with a strong leader.
  • If your groups stay the same, have a private, honest conversation. Acknowledge that it’s natural to want to talk to friends, but emphasize the importance of staying focused during discussion time.
  • Remind the group as a whole that side conversations can make it difficult for others to hear and participate.

Final Thoughts: Keep Going

Leading a small group isn’t always easy, and no group will be perfect. There will be quiet nights, distracted moments, and discussions that don’t go as planned. But don’t lose heart—God is still at work in the middle of it all.

Your role isn’t to lead a flawless group; it’s to faithfully create a space where people can encounter God’s Word and grow together. Even when it feels messy, the Lord can use your consistency, patience, and willingness to lead.

“So, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” —1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

So keep showing up. Keep asking questions. Keep pointing your group back to Scripture.

Over time, trust will grow, conversations will deepen, and you’ll begin to see God move in ways you didn’t expect.

Next time you lead, choose just one of these strategies to intentionally focus on—and watch how it changes the dynamic of your group.

Reflect & Connect

1. Which of these challenges do you face most often in your group right now?

2. How do you typically respond when things feel awkward, off-topic, or unbalanced?

3. Which one strategy from this post can you intentionally focus on at your next meeting?