For our small group ministry to thrive, it is essential for each one of us to reproduce leaders. This will be our topic over the next few Lifelines installments. 1 Peter 4:10 makes it clear that every single follower of Jesus Christ has at least one spiritual gift: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” As small group leaders, we have the privilege of encouraging our members to use their spiritual gifts to serve the rest of the group. My own personal leadership has been greatly impacted by others who spoke into my life and encouraged me to develop my spiritual gifts. God uses leaders to develop the potential in others so that He can multiply leadership within the body of Christ. Do you know the spiritual gifts of the people you lead? If you don’t, consider spending a group night sharing what each person’s spiritual gifts are. If the group is made up of relatively new believers, consider doing a spiritual gifts assessment together. If you do know the spiritual gifts of the people you lead, consider how you might encourage them to use their gifts in serving the group or the larger body of Christ. Good leaders beget good leaders.