Circle leaders

Circles Definition

A Circle is where three or more people gather together in relationship to discuss the weekend message, engage with Scripture, and pray together to grow as disciples of Jesus.

Circles Win

The win for Circles is to help people build relationships and grow as disciples.

Circles Tagline

Get in a circle. Change your life.

KEY DATES

Fall Semester: August 16 - December 12

Leader Summit: Saturday, August 22

THE LEADER GUIDE

This is your digital team huddle, a tool to help you prepare to lead a Jesus-focused, Spirit-filled, and Life-giving conversation with your Circle. We ask all leaders to leverage this to prepare for and lead through Circle. This will be ready for you on Sundays by 2pm, so review it before leading your Circle each week to help you engage with the people you lead.

Circle Leader Guide
Circle Guide
  • Updated:
  • July 19, 2026
Leader Portal
Circles Playbook
Journey of a Circle Leader

5 Ways to Share Your Leadership

1. INVITE THEM TO OPEN CIRCLE IN PRAYER

The simplest task you can hand off is also one of the most sacred: asking someone else to open your Circle in prayer. When you invite them, you’re saying: I see something in you worth drawing out.

How to do it:

  • Ask one-on-one, not in the group chat: “Would you be willing to open us in prayer next week?”
  • Give them a simple focus: “Just ask God to open our hearts to what He wants tonight.”
  • After Circle, name what you noticed specifically.
  • Keep inviting them. Let it become their thing, not a one-time ask.

2. INVITE THEM TO SHARE WHAT THEY SAW GOD DOING

Instead of always wrapping up yourself, invite someone to share what they noticed God doing. It builds the habit of paying attention – not just participating.

How to do it:

  • Midway through, quietly let them know: “I’m going to ask you to close us out – just share what stood out.”
  • Coach them: Ask yourself: “where did God show up tonight? Start there.
  • Debrief afterward: “What did you notice? How did that feel?”
  • Rotate it over time – it raises awareness for everyone in the circle.

3. INVITE THEM TO LEAD PART OF THE DISCUSSION

Start with one or two Circle Guide questions. Over time, this builds toward them leading an entire circle gathering – while you’re still there—and eventually when you’re not.

How to do it:

  • Pick 1–2 questions and ask ahead: “Would you be willing to take these two tonight?”
  • Sit back and participate as a member. Don’t jump in to rescue. Let them lead.
  • Gradually hand off more over several weeks – then the whole discussion.
  • Eventually: they lead when you are out. But it starts here, with you present.

4. INVITE THEM TO FOLLOW UP WITH SOMEONE WHO WAS ABSENT

Following up says: you matter, and we noticed. This teaches someone to care for people – as a shepherd. It’s a great on-ramp for relational people.

How to do it:

  • After Circle, ask someone directly: “Would you reach out to [name] and let them know we missed them?”
  • Keep it simple: a text or quick call. Let them know what God was doing.
  • Debrief next week: “How did that go?” Celebrate the follow-through.
  • Perfect for someone who isn’t ready to facilitate yet but clearly loves people.

5. INVITE THEM TO PERSONALLY INVITE SOMEONE TO CIRCLE

Reach is one of your four Circle Leader responsibilities – and it’s something you can share. This moves someone from attending a Circle to feeling responsible for it.

How to do it:

  • Name it directly: “Think of 1–2 people who need community. Would you personally invite them?”
  • Help them think of who: a coworker, a neighbor, someone from church.
  • Follow up – even if the person didn’t come. The act of inviting is the growth.
  • Remind them: this is about learning to live on mission wherever they are. Success is found in obedience.

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