A Pathway for Leaders
Real life together. Better because of Jesus.
A discipleship journey for Community Group Leaders - rooted in the way Jesus made disciples.
BE With Jesus → BE Like Jesus → BE On Mission
Begin the Pathway →
Scroll to begin
00
Before the Pathway
We start here.
Before the practices and the pillars, there is a mission - and the values that shape how we carry it.
Our Mission
To inspire people to follow Jesus who invest in others to follow Jesus.
✦
Christ-Centered
Jesus is the source, goal, and model of everything we do.
◈
Relational
We grow best in authentic relationships, not isolation.
✧
Transformational
We expect lives to be changed through the power of the Gospel.
◉
Intentional
Everything aligns with our discipleship pathway: Gather → Grow → Go.
Quick Check
What is the mission of Sienna Community Church?
The Pathway Begins
01
Stage One of the Pathway
BE With Jesus
Abiding before leading. Presence before strategy. Identity before activity.
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19 - The invitation
The most important thing about you as a leader isn't your gifting or your group size. It's whether your heart is being shaped by time with Jesus. Leadership begins with intimacy.
01
Rooted Relationship
Time in prayer, Scripture, and quiet reflection keeps your heart aligned with God's. This is the soil everything else grows from.
02
Inner Renewal
Personal spiritual health fuels external impact. Leaders lead best when they're continually renewed - not when they're running on fumes.
03
The Overflow Principle
What fills you flows out. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Abiding is the starting point for authentic connection and transformation.
Ask Yourself
Am I leading from overflow - or from obligation?
Reflection
What rhythms of being with Jesus need to be renewed in your life right now?
From Presence to Formation
02
Stage Two of the Pathway
BE Like Jesus
Model the life you want others to grow into. What you become, you reproduce.
"…and I will make you."
Matthew 4:19 - The formation
01
Embodied Character
Humility, compassion, integrity. Show the gospel through how you live, not just what you teach. People catch more than they're taught.
02
Relational Wisdom
Jesus navigated every relationship with truth and grace held together. Cultivate emotional maturity and empathy in your group.
03
Faithful Presence
Be available, consistent, and real. Your presence offers safety and direction - especially when the group is in hard seasons.
The Inner DNA of a Healthy Group
Three values shape the posture you bring to leading:
Value
What It Means
Leadership Implication
Biblical
Stay anchored in Scripture as your primary lens for truth and guidance.
Ensure discussions are rooted in God's Word. Gently correct when conversations drift from biblical truth.
Relational
Foster a culture of genuine care, active listening, and trust.
Invest in personal relationships. Model empathy and openness. Create safe spaces for vulnerability.
Developmental
Lead people toward spiritual maturity through intentional growth pathways.
Challenge members to take next steps. Track growth. Celebrate spiritual milestones along the way.
Ask Yourself
What part of Jesus' character am I most leaning into right now?
Scenario
The Situation
Your group discussion drifts into gossip about a mutual friend struggling in their marriage. One member is particularly invested, and others are joining in.
Which value most clearly calls you to act - and how?
Reflection
Where in your leadership are you being invited to grow into greater Christlikeness?
From Formation to Mission
03
Stage Three of the Pathway
BE On Mission with Jesus
Move the group toward purpose. Multiply what God has given you.
"…fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19 - The purpose
01
Missional Mindset
Every group is a gateway to greater impact. Invite people to live beyond the group - to serve, lead, and multiply.
02
Intentional Investment
See each member as a potential leader. Invest time, encouragement, and ownership.
03
Vision-Casting
Lead with stories, possibilities, and a clear sense of direction. Help people see what God could do through them.
Four Rhythms of Influence
The pillars carry the mission forward - from connection to transformation:
E
Engage
Build trust and connection.
Leaders go first in cultivating relational depth.
Start with presenceBe warm, approachable, attentive.
Spark participationAsk open-ended questions; draw out stories.
Model vulnerabilityShare authentically to invite transparency.
"People open up when they feel invited - not obligated."
E
Equip
Provide tools and truths for growth.
Empowering begins with equipping heart and mind.
Teach Scripture clearlyAnchor each session in the Word.
Share practicesSpiritual disciplines like prayer and reflection.
Curate resourcesHandouts, devotionals, guides aligned with goals.
"Equipping isn't just informing - it's forming."
E
Empower
Release leadership and ownership.
True impact grows when others are trusted with responsibility.
Delegate rolesLet members lead prayer, discussion, events.
Affirm giftsIdentify and speak into their strengths.
Encourage multiplicationInspire new groups and next steps.
"Empowered people become emboldened leaders."
E
Encourage
Fuel hope and perseverance.
Leaders speak life into others - especially when growth feels hard.
Celebrate winsBig or small, recognize spiritual momentum.
Offer affirmationPersonal notes or verbal encouragement.
Walk through strugglesStand with others in their hard seasons.
"Encouragement is oxygen to the soul of a group."
When You're Ready to Invite Someone
Three invitations you can adapt, in your own voice:
"I see leadership potential in you - would you be open to co-leading a discussion next week?"
"Let's walk through this together once, and then I'll support you as you lead it next time."
"You don't have to be perfect - just present and prayerful. God does the heavy lifting."
Ask Yourself
Who am I empowering - and how am I multiplying the mission?
Practice
Name one person in your group who shows leadership potential. Draft a short invitation you could send them this week.
Your Commitment
Having walked the pathway - With Jesus, Like Jesus, On Mission - what's the one commitment you're making as you lead this season?
The Pathway Continues
You don't walk this alone.
The pathway isn't a course you finish. It's a life you live - with Jesus, like Jesus, on mission with Jesus. Return here often. Keep walking.
BE With Jesus → BE Like Jesus → BE On Mission
Real Life Together · Better Because of Jesus