What encouragement would you offer to small group leaders out there?
Jennifer Pinkner: Not all small group leaders look alike. I would encourage small group leaders to lead within their gifting. The church needs leaders who are authentically seeking Christ daily in His word and relationship. Let Him lead you as you cling to Him, the Vine. It takes time to establish a group. Do not be afraid to try new things or scrap things that are not working.
In what ways have you and your spouse/family grown spiritually since you have been involved in this ministry?
Jennifer Pinkner: The Lord has given us a bigger thirst to disciple young women and men within our family. We also see the great need in ourselves to be diligent about personal holiness and confession of sin and repentance. I have seen that I have grown as a leader as conflict and hard questions have entered into the group setting. I have grown in my personal relationship with Christ as I have relied on Him as I have learned to speak the truth in love.
Why does small group ministry play such a critical role in the church today?
Jennifer Pinkner: People may listen to good teaching, but there has to be a way to flesh out the realities of everyday living in accordance with the Truth. Most of the time, we learn to apply the truth by experience within relationships and circumstances. It is all theory to us until the truth is wrestled with and lived out in our families and friendships. Small groups create a laboratory to practice trusting God and his word.