Small groups are therefore not just add-ons to congregational life, they are foundational to its existence. Small groups are where faith is experienced and developed regardless of the purpose of the group. The success of Small Group Ministry depends in large part on the development of sound leadership within the congregation. Facilitators can be trained through training sessions offered within the congregation or perhaps by a resource person from outside of the congregation, for example through an education centre. While even a short facilitation course can be helpful, facilitation skills do not develop in a day.
Leadership skills develop through experience and over time.
While the facilitator has something to offer the group by way of her or his skills, the facilitator will always be learning from the group and with the group. As participants take part in small groups, some may feel that they would like to also facilitate groups and may wish to seek out training sessions. Sometimes, however, participants are somewhat shy about acknowledging their own skills. For instance, to promote facilitation skills development, Wesley United in Cambridge, Ontario, encourages not only those who wish to facilitate groups to take part in leadership training sessions, but also those who wish to participate more effectively. This allows those who are somewhat uncertain about their facilitation abilities a safe way to explore their own potential.