A leader’s goal is to create a helpful, engaging, and relevant environment where people have the opportunity to experience healthy relationships and spiritual growth. After that, a leader let’s God do what only he can do: change lives. But that first step of creating an environment is important. That’s why the success of a group really does hinge on the quality of its leader.

Here are three traits that really help a group leader grow personally while leading others:

1. Humility
Humility comes from a strong, growing relationship with Jesus. Humble leaders acknowledge that we’re all sinners, completely helpless without the love of God. Because they’ve been so dramatically transformed by this love, these kinds of leaders make every effort to move out of God’s way so that he can connect with those seeking Him in his timing.

  • Humble leaders approach conversations as fellow journeyers, not as one who are handing off truth.
  • Humble leaders “sit” on the same side of the table as their group members. They acknowledge they’re also in need of a Savior.

2. Teachability
Teachability isn’t just about responding to direction and correction. It’s an attitude. It’s a spirit that says, “I will constantly learn about myself, others, and culture so God can use me in new and different ways.”

  • Teachable leaders always invite feedback because they know their job isn’t to lead perfectly. Their job is to strive to respond effectively to the people God places in their groups.
  • Teachable leaders actively pursue what it means to create open and conversational environments for people to explore topics and experience community.

3. Curiosity
Curiosity is about engagement. Curious leaders are proactive in reaching out to group members in order to better understand where they are personally, emotionally, and spiritually, and encourage them to take meaningful steps towards their heavenly Father.

  • Curious leaders are hungry to know more about their group members. They go out of their way to understand group members’ perspective—not so they can change minds, but so they can connect and lead people toward deeper relationships with Jesus.
  • Curious leaders don’t teach. They ask questions.

These are simple ideas, but pursuing them often requires a shift in mindset. Most leadership books and blogs don’t emphasize humility, teachability, and curiosity as key ingredients of great leadership. But they really will improve the quality of your group experience like nothing else. That’s because they have the power to break down the barriers of shame and guilt that exist between people. They express a transparency and vulnerability that gives group members permission to be more transparent and vulnerable. And that’s huge when you’re trying to help others pursue spiritual growth.