The group leaders are the spiritual “fathers and mothers” – responsible for everything in the street fellowship – leading but not controlling the group. It is usually best for men to help men and women, women. For the sake of a good testimony, do not visit, travel with or counsel anyone of the opposite sex, outside your family, without a third responsible person present.
(These responsibilities are spelt out more in more detail in the section Main Activities. The following is just a summary.)
1) Praying daily for members of the group, their families and contacts, and for everyone in the street.
2) Receiving discipleship and training to grow in Christ yourself. Strive to embody the virtues outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 – good character and the ability to teach. Be open and transparent with others – such as sharing your experiences and struggles.
3) Evangelising.
4) Discipling and pastoring people.
5) Arranging meetings. Prepare spiritually for, and arrange, the street meetings, remind people to come, welcome new people, make introductions and help members of the group to relate well to each other.
6) Planning and organising. Seek God’s vision for the way ahead and share it with others. Take the initiative – start work and be a catalyst.
a) Involve every member of the community in responsibility for activities according to his or her gifts to build each other up (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter 4:10,11). Make sure that the group is fulfilling all of the parts outlined in the section below – Activities of the Light in your Street. Delegate everything possible to others – with God’s help they will learn in time even though they may not be perfect at first.
b) Meet with other group leaders to pray together and discuss what is happening.
c) Use time wisely - cut out activities that do no help move the Lord’s people towards His goals.
7) Training others and beginning new groups.