Connect Group Leaders and Deputy Leaders Role Description

Overview

The Connect Group Leader is a pastoral leadership role focused on discipling and caring for a small group of people from Croydon Vineyard. The role of the Deputy is to support the CG Leader and to train as Leader with a view to multiply the group.

The aim of Connect Groups is fourfold:

1) Integration: to be the prime space that new believers and new members of the church come into in order to feel part of the church. The role of the leader is therefore to help make the group an easy place for new people to join.

2) To be a place of meaningful connection between people where they can know others and be known, building a strong a pastoral network, so that when people hit a hard moment they will lean into the group as a place where everyone cares for each other. The role of the leader is therefore to help create space for people to connect with each other, to draw in those on the edge, to create a culture where people celebrate and commiserate with one another and to manage any conflict that might suck the culture out of the group.

3) To be a place of deep formation, where people really get to know the Father through the Bible, to receive his transforming love and experience the fullness of the Spirit. This involves people identifying and sharing the blocks and boosts they face in their faith and developing personal habits to see the Father bring healing to the blocks and the Spirit add momentum into their lives through the boosts. The role of the leader is therefore particularly to lean on getting people to open and study the bible, to reflect on who God is and to hear what he is saying to them, enabling prophetic ministry and empowering prayer ministry. The role of the leader is also to facilitate monthly Huddles which cause the word to go deep into people’s actual lives.

4) To be a place of equipping the saints for multiplication through giving them opportunities to practice spiritual gifts, leading of bible studies, sharing of testimonies and giving and receiving prayer. The role of the leader is therefore to champion a “try” culture, creating space for people to have a go. The role is also to prayerfully recruit and coach one or two faithful, available and teachable members as deputies who will, as the group grows, be sent out with some of the group to plant a new group and increase discipleship capacity in the church.

They meet mid-week in homes and online, therefore hospitality is a key component of this role.

What is a deputy? A leader in training.

  • This is a training / assistant role within small groups. Every healthy small group will have at least one deputy

  • Deputies are actively feeling a call to leadership that they are wanting to use

  • Small group leaders are actively training the deputy in leading through on the job learning.

  • We would expect people to be a deputy for 6 months-2 years before starting a new group.

Who?

  • Faithful - willing to follow the CV leadership criteria.

  • Available - has time and actually attends.

  • Teachable - is humble and open to learn and receive feedback.

What is “meaningful connection”?

1. Personal

  • Not just completing tasks or attending meetings.

  • Knowing the real people in front of you.

  • Creating a space of fun, curiosity and emotional safety.

2. Healing

  • Helps others receive from God in areas of pain and hope.

  • Draws from the wisdom of the whole church.

  • Uses tried and tested tools to deepen spiritual connection.

Oversight Structure

Connect Group Leaders and Deputies are overseen by Cluster Leaders.

Cluster Leaders are overseen by Lesley Thompson.

Connect Group Leaders should expect some monitor and nurture from Cluster Leaders at Connect Leader Gatherings and should be open and transparent with their Cluster Leader (leading with a limp). Leaders should also expect peer monitor and nurture from other Connect Group Leaders in their Cluster. Serious situations will be escalated to Lesley Thompson and Cluster Leaders will support where possible (bearing in mind they are mainly volunteers).

Key Responsibilities

Building Personal Connection:

  • Facilitating an environment where connection happens: sharing food, celebrating birthdays and answered prayers, build connection across differences.

  • Encourage mutual pastoral care — not just from the leader but shared among members.

  • Apply the Bible to one another’s lives and seek wise advice.

  • Lead with a limp — share your own struggles vulnerably with the group.

  • Hold a "Huddle Week" every month (breaking into smaller units of 3–4) where everyone is heard and prayed for — this transforms lives.

Building Connection with God

Facilitate group members to:

  • Reflect personally on the Word Facilitate Bible study most weeks. This doesn’t always need to be led by the leader/deputy — good leadership involves encouraging others using their gifts.

  • Not just pursue knowledge but to apply it by asking: How does this scripture affect my life? How does this scripture challenge me?

  • Join the mission of God - practice doing what Jesus did in a safe place: ○ Give and receive prophetic words ○ Speak encouragement ○ Pray for others and watch God move

Group Growth and Mission

Connect Groups are a key destination in our mission to make multiplying, lifelong disciples of Jesus.

How Growth Happens:

  • People invite people.

  • Invitations from friends are the number one way people join.

Help Your Group Be Found

  • Keep your group’s description and information up-to-date and inviting on the church website by using MyChurchsuite.

Requirements For Connect Group Leaders

  • A strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ and alignment with Croydon Vineyard values.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and care for others with care and wisdom.

  • Ability to foster trust and honesty.

  • A heart for discipleship and desire to see individuals and groups thrive spiritually.

  • Discernment to identify and appropriately escalate serious pastoral concerns to Cluster Leader.

  • Regular attendance at Sunday services at Croydon Vineyard and regular attendance at the monthly Connect Group Leaders Gatherings.

Time Commitment:

  • Monthly: Connect Group Leaders Meeting (2nd Monday of month, 2 hours). If unable to attend, delegate to someone suitable.

  • Weekly: Connect Group meetings, with regular breaks for rest (e.g., Christmas, Easter, Summer).

  • Occasional: extra time commitments during crisis or pastoral intervention (e.g., hospital visits, making contact after a bereavement, talking with a couple in marriage crisis, creating a meal rota for illness or new baby).

General Leadership Requirements at Croydon Vineyard Please see the CV Leaders’ Character Requirements.

Croydon Vineyard