They’re where people are known, prayed for, encouraged, and challenged to grow in their faith.
And as a Small Group Leader, you simply create the space where that can happen. You don’t have to be a Bible expert or have all the answers.
Your role is simple: welcome people, guide conversation, and care for others while growing alongside them.
We’ll train you, coach you, and support you every step of the way — you won’t lead alone. If you care about people and are willing to grow, you can lead a group.
You Can Lead a Group If You:
We’ll help equip you with everything else.
With our guidance and support, these three steps will prepare you to confidently lead a Small Group.
Launch Your Group
Our team will list your group and connect participants to you. You just begin meeting.
Coaching
Prayer, guidance & support when you need it
Training
Practical resources for every season of leading
Leadership Materials
Ready-to-use guides, resources & tools
Ongoing Support
Continued connection with Small Group Leadership Team
Pastors Anthony and Barbara Franklin are the Small Groups & Montclair Campus Pastors of Christ Church. The Franklins have used their more than 25 years of pastoral ministry experience to strengthen and restore countless marriages through seminars, retreats, and one-on-one sessions. They are devoted to helping couples build strong marriages and healthy families. Anthony is a graduate of Alliance Theological Seminary. Barbara earned her degree in elementary education from Nyack College and is a child developmental specialist for the New Jersey Early Intervention System. Happily married since 1981, the Franklins are the proud parents of two adult daughters and five grandchildren.
Anyone who feels called to lead, meets the requirements, and aligns with the mission and values of Christ Church is encouraged to apply. They regularly attend Christ Church each week and consider it their primary church. Others describe them as a member.
Prior leadership experience is helpful but not required. We value a teachable spirit, a growing faith, and a willingness to serve. And in addition to the leadership training that we provide, we’re also here to provide ongoing support and answer questions along the way.
The next training will take place on March 21, 2026. If you are unable to attend, we have multiple training dates each year. You can send an email to smallgroups@christchurchusa.org and request to be notified of the next training date.
Becoming a Small Group Leader involves a few simple steps. You’ll complete the application, submit a background check, attend a one-day training, participate in a brief virtual interview, and complete a short Christian Doctrine Assessment Survey.
Once everything is complete, our ministry team will review your application and follow up with next steps. We’re here to support you throughout the process.
Explore the available group types and select the one that fits your heart and gifting.
Once approved, you will receive confirmation along with guidance and next steps for launching your Small Group during the upcoming season.
