Unless you’re leading a Life Group that is specific to new believers, you’re likely to find people in different stages of their discipleship. A person’s age does not reflect their spiritual maturity. Nor does it matter how long a person has been a Christian. For that matter, a person might be spiritually mature in one area and spiritually immature in another area of life.

Spiritual maturity (applying what you’re learning about Jesus) is an ongoing, dynamic process. And as a Life Group Leader, you’re likely to encounter people in different stages of their faith. What an incredible privilege it is to help others as they take the next step in their journey with God! But if you are to effectively lead people to their next step, you’ll need to first find out where they are.

1. Find Out Where They Are

First it’s important to throw out your assumptions. Before jumping to conclusions about where your new group members are spiritually, take some time to find out where they are in their faith. Spend some time in one of your sessions for people to share. Create a space where they can be transparent and listen to them. If you’re listening well, they’ll help you identify the places in their life that they need to grow in faith.

2. Don’t Use “Churchy” Language

Younger believers might not talk like more mature Christians, or use the same “churchy” words. Most “mature” believers don’t realize they speak a different language. Words like “justification,” or “fellowship,” or what it means to be “lost.” These words are important but don’t just assume everyone knows what they mean. Teaching these words and adjusting our language helps everyone understand. And when everyone understands, they’re more likely to engage in the conversation.

3. Be Patient

We will need to be more patient when a new believer asks a question with what seems to be an obvious answer. We must respond to these honest questions with grace. In an interview, Max Lucado responded that we receive grace because we have surrendered to Christ. In surrendering to him, Christ has placed a new heart within us. However, Lucado says, "I'm still getting used to the transplant, and transplants take time." Instead of getting frustrated, focus on the amazing opportunity it is to help them.

4. Don’t Be Too Pushy

If you have a multi-stage Life Group you may tend to push the younger Christians too hard. Often new believers come to the group with the same struggles each week. Be careful not to become intolerable or frustrated. We need to check our hearts and remember that there may be places in our own faith where we are “stuck.” Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say at the right time. Don’t forget that we must meet people where they are, not where we think they should be.

5. Choose the Right Studies

A good leader can adapt a study for different people in different stages of their maturity. As the members share you’ll begin to learn more about the people God has entrusted to you. If you’re listening well, you’ll find out what their needs are and the potential areas of growth. Choose your study accordingly.

Leading a multi-stage group comes with its set of challenges, but as we disciple them, we will benefit as well. We will become more Christlike, and we'll grow in our faith. Everyone has something to contribute, and together we are stronger than when we're apart.

Discuss:

Who invested in you when you were a new believer? How did they do it?
When you consider having new believers join a group of seasoned believers, do you consider it a frustration or an opportunity? Why?
What might need to change in your group so that it's friendlier to multiple levels of spiritual maturity?