Leading a Bible study group is a calling, but it’s not meant to be a solo act. Jesus raised up twelve disciples, plus his inner group of three. Paul and Silas served together, and Paul mentored young Timothy. Many of us were trained by an older, wiser team member who coached us, showed us how to do a job, and cheered for us as we grew in our abilities. The one thing that is sadly lacking in most churches and their groups are apprentice leaders, though. This leaves a lot of work for the group leader to do, and it sets the church up for failure when it doesn’t produce a new batch of future leaders.

As a group leader, if you’ve ever found yourself juggling prayer requests, lesson prep, food duty, and tech troubleshooting all in one Bible study, you know what I mean. It’s tough to not have someone co-leading with you.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. In fact, one of the healthiest things you can do for your group (and your sanity) is to raise up an apprentice teacher. And the goal isn’t just to help yourself, it’s to help that person grow in their abilities, and to ultimately launch them out and help them start their own group.

Here are three practical ways to identify, equip, and empower someone from within your group to step into leadership.

1. Spot the Spark, Not the Spotlight

Apprentices don’t always come with a neon sign that says “Future Leader.” Sometimes they’re the quiet observer who asks thoughtful questions. Other times, they’re the ones who show up early, stay late, and genuinely care about people.

Start by watching for:

• A teachable spirit and a love for Scripture
• Relational warmth and a heart for others
• A willingness to serve, even in small ways

Don’t wait for perfection—look for potential. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to grow and guide others along the way. When you see that spark, pull them aside and say something like, “I see leadership in you. Would you be open to learning how to help lead this group?” That kind of invitation can be life-changing.

2. Equip Through Shadowing, Not Shoving

Once you’ve identified a potential apprentice, resist the urge to toss them the teaching guide and say, “Good luck next week!” Instead, think of it like a slow dance—one step at a time, with lots of encouragement.

Here’s a simple rhythm:

• Watch me: Let them observe how you prepare and lead.
• Help me: Invite them to co-lead a discussion or share a devotional.
• Let me: Give them ongoing occasions to lead while you support from the sidelines. My experience tells me the apprentice should teach the group at least once a month or more.
• Coach me: Debrief afterward—celebrate what went well and gently offer feedback.

This kind of intentional mentoring builds confidence and competence. It also models humility and teamwork, which are just as important as teaching skills.

3. Release with Joy, Not Jealousy

Eventually, the goal is to let your apprentice fly solo—whether that means leading your group occasionally, launching a new group, or stepping into leadership elsewhere. And yes, that might mean fewer teaching opportunities for you. But here’s the secret: multiplication is the win.

When you release someone to lead, you’re not losing influence—you’re expanding it. You’re creating space for more people to be discipled, more voices to be heard, and more lives to be transformed.

Celebrate their growth publicly. Cheer them on. And if they stumble (as we all do), be the first to remind them that grace is part of the journey.

Raising up an apprentice isn’t just a leadership strategy—it’s a discipleship pathway. It’s how Jesus trained His followers, and it’s how we build sustainable, Spirit-led communities today. So keep your eyes open, your heart humble, and your hand extended. The next great group leader might already be sitting in your circle, just waiting for someone to believe in them.