What Preschoolers Taught Me about Leading Adults

What Preschoolers Taught Me about Leading Adults

by Dwayne McCrary

One of the more desired rewards to earn in a preschool class is being the line leader. The first thing children will reveal to their parents at the end of the day is that they got to be the line leader that day. They won the prize by setting an example for the rest to follow. In most cases, the line leader is the one exhibiting the behavior desired by the teacher. In some cases, the child is selected by the teacher, who hopes the child will exhibit the desired behavior. Either way, the line leader sets the standard for that day.

When we accepted the role of leading an ongoing Bible study group, we became the line leader for that group. It is even possible that we too shared with our  parents  that we are a group leader! Let’s think about how the line leader in a preschool class helps us understand our role as an adult group leader.

Sets the Example

As already stated, the line leader serves as an example for everyone else to follow. That is how he got to be the line leader in the first place. The other preschoolers know that the line leader represents the expectations for the rest of the class.

When we accepted the role of a group leader, we also accepted the responsibility of representing what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. That willingness to follow Jesus should be one thing that qualifies us to be the group leader. Following matters.

As strange as this may seem, the title of leader is earned by a willingness to follow. The preschooler follows the expectations defined by their teacher, and adult group leaders follows the expectations defined by the Teacher. Following makes us capable of leading.

Focuses on the Task

The preschool line leader focuses on the assigned task, which can include holding on to the rope, walking with purpose, and arriving at a specific destination. Holding the rope may be the biggest challenge for the line leader because children often  let go of the rope as they make their way down a hall or through a group of other preschoolers.

Lots of distractions exist that can take the attention of an adult Bible study group as well. We can become focused on physical needs, world events, and class socials, and forget about some of the larger items. None of these are bad if they do not become the primary focus of the group.

One of the roles we play as the group leader is maintaining a focus on reaching those far from God. This focus includes challenging ourselves to be more intentional in praying for those far from God and making sure our group does the same. If we lose sight of the main thing, so will everyone else in our group.

Brings Others Along

The preschool line leader brings others along for a walk. She encourages other classmates to grab the rope and join her in the journey. She also helps those who get disconnected and lose their grip to reconnect. She makes sure everyone arrives safely.

As adult Bible study group leaders, we get to encourage others to join our group, so they can discover some biblical truths together. We may be called upon to contact others struggling and in danger of becoming stragglers.  We want to do our best to give everyone an opportunity to arrive safely.

Everyone arriving safely may mean we add a second “rope” and show others how to be a group leader. We then can make room for more people to grab part of the rope. Apprenticing others to become great line leaders may be more important than we realize. There really is no better way for another person to become a great line leader than learning from those already doing it.

We have the privilege of being line leaders for the Bible study group we lead. We can set an example, help the group remain focused, and bring others with us for the journey. We make our heavenly Father proud when we serve well as a line leader.

---

Dwayne McCrary is the manager of adult ongoing Bible studies at Lifeway.