Rush Servant Leader Guide: Leading Peer Groups
Hey Servant Leadership,
We’re really glad you’re here. What you do this week matters more than you think.
Good news, you don’t have to have all the answers.
Your role is simple:
• Listen well
• Guide the conversation
• Help point people to Jesus and Scripture
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Leader Guardrails
You are NOT here to:
• Teach your own theology or personal beliefs
• Share strong opinions on politics or “hot topics”
• Debate or try to win arguments
• Fix or solve every problem someone shares
Even if you have strong opinions—that’s not your role here. We point people to Jesus, not our takes.
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You ARE here to:
• Listen well
• Guide the conversation
• Point people to Jesus and Scripture
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Compassion Without Affirmation
Students may share hard or confusing things. Respond with care.
This sounds like:
• “Thanks for sharing that.”
• “That sounds really hard.”
• “I’m really glad you told us.”
• “You’re not alone.”
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Be careful not to say:
• “Yeah, that’s right.”
• “You should do that.”
• “God probably wants that for you.”
You can care about someone without agreeing with everything.
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Guiding Conversations Toward Scripture
You don’t need the perfect answer—just help point back to God’s Word.
Try asking:
• “What do you notice in this passage?”
• “What do you think Jesus might say?”
• “How does this connect to what we heard?”
You’re guiding, not debating.
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When Topics Get Difficult
Students may bring up:
• Politics
• Identity
• Relationships
• Things happening in culture
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When that happens:
Do:
• Stay calm
• Be respectful
• Bring it back to Jesus and Scripture
Don’t:
• Turn it into a debate
• Share your personal “takes”
• Try to win the conversation
You can say:
“That’s a really important question. Let’s talk with a leader so we can think about it well.”
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When to Involve Staff
You are not meant to handle everything on your own.
Let a staff leader know if you hear:
• Mental health concerns
• Abuse or safety issues
• Questions about sexuality or identity
• Anything that feels heavy or too big
Don’t carry that alone.
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When a Student Overshares
This will happen sometimes and that’s okay.
You might hear something that is:
• Very personal
• Very detailed
• Emotionally heavy
Step in early. Don’t wait.
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Don’t:
• Let it keep going without guiding it
• Try to fix it
• Ask deeper follow-up questions
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Do:
1. Affirm
• “Thanks for sharing that.”
• “That sounds really hard.”
2. Redirect
• “Let’s talk more about that after group.”
• “I want to make sure you’re supported—let’s connect with a leader.”
3. Refocus the group
• “Where do we see God in hard things?”
• “How does tonight’s message connect here?”
4. Follow up after
• Check in with them
• Loop in a leader if needed
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Remember:
• You don’t have to handle everything
• You do help keep the group safe
Your role is not to get everyone to share everything—it’s to point people to Jesus and keep the group healthy.
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Setting the Tone (First 3 Small Group Times)
These first few times shape the entire week.
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Small Group Rhythm (Every Time You Meet)
Each small group time should follow a simple rhythm:
• Start in prayer
• Use the discussion questions provided via text (based on the talks)
• End in prayer
These questions are designed to connect your conversation to what students are hearing during the week so be sure to use them each time.
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Small Group Time 1
Goal: Get Comfortable and Set Expectations
• Introductions (name + favorite ice cream)
• Memory challenge (have fun with it)
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Set the Ground Rule
To make this a great space for everyone:
Engage, Disengage, or Don’t Distract
• You can jump in
• You can pass
• Just don’t distract
You don’t have to share everything to belong, but share in a way that is helpful for the group.
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Leaders:
• Share what you’re excited about this week
• Help everyone feel welcome
• Grab dinner together after your group time
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Small Group Time 2
Goal: Model a Faith Story and Create Safety
Share a 1–2 minute faith story:
• What your experience with faith has been
• A challenge or question you’ve had
• How you’ve seen God work (if applicable)
Be honest—but don’t go into every detail.
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Spiritual Scale
We’re going to do something quick to help us understand where everyone is when it comes to faith.
There’s no “right” number—this is just about being honest.
You don’t need to explain your number, and we’re not going to discuss it.
Just pick the number that best describes where you are:
1 = Not really interested
You don’t really think about faith or have much interest in it right now.
2 = Unsure / Exploring
You’re not sure what you believe or are still figuring things out.
3 = Believe, but still unsure
You would say you’re a Christian, but you still have questions or doubts.
4 = Faith is your own
Your faith is personal and something you’re choosing to live out.
This helps us understand that everyone is in a different place—and that’s okay.
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Small Group Time 3
Goal: Invite Participation (No Pressure)
Faith Stories (1–2 minutes)
Everyone has a story—even if you’re still figuring things out.
You can share:
• A time you’ve seen God work
• Something you’re still figuring out
• What your experience with faith has been like
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Simple Structure:
• Then: What your experience has been
• Now: Where you are
• Next: What you’re wondering or hoping
Keep it brief and focused—no need to share every detail.
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Small Group Time 4–8
Goal: Stay Consistent and Keep Growing
Keep it simple:
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1. Connect (5–10 min)
• High / low
• Favorite part of the day
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2. Discuss (15–20 min)
• Use the questions provided via text after each talk
• Keep things moving and connected to what students are hearing
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3. Point to Jesus (5–10 min)
• “What is God showing you?”
• “What stood out?”
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4. Pray (5 min)
• Break into 2–3 people
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Leader Focus:
• Keep it appropriate and focused
• Guide, don’t take over
• Make space for quieter people
You don’t have to create “deep moments.” Trust that God is already working.
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Best Practices
Sharing Stories
• Be honest and appropriate
• Lead by example
• Listen well
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Handling Distractions
• Set expectations
• Gently redirect
• Keep things moving
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Ice Breakers
• Two Truths and a Lie
• Human Bingo
• Group Juggle
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Asking Good Questions
• Start simple
• Ask about real life
• Invite reflection
• Make sure everyone has a chance
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Final Encouragement
You don’t have to be perfect—just be present.
• Listen well
• Encourage people
• Point them to Jesus
What you do this week matters.
We’re really glad you’re leading.