| The primary purpose of this research was to inquire into effective small group leaders' perceptions of their roles as leaders and their effective practices for fostering spiritual growth and life transformation among group members in the Korean American church context. In addition, the study sought to find factors which contributed to the effectiveness of the leaders.;A qualitative and descriptive research design was employed. The samples were 32 effective small group leaders selected from two Korean American churches, Seoul Baptist Church of Houston (SBCH) and Sa-Rang Community Church (SRCC), which were known for their successful small group ministry. The type of small groups in SBCH was the house church, while the type of small groups in SRCC was the nurture group.;The data analysis yielded a set of findings regarding effective small group leaders' perceptions and their effective practices. The major findings are summarized in four areas: (1) leaders' perceptions of their roles, (2) contributive training and experiences for effective leadership, (3) effective practices of the leaders, and (4) lessons learned by the leaders.;First, the roles of effective leaders were mostly depicted as more nondirective, non-authoritarian, and relationship-oriented. Six major roles were identified: coaching and counseling, bridging between the church and the members, shepherding, serving, role model, and coordinating. The roles of teaching and training were not perceived as highly important.;Second, basic nurture, discipleship training, and leadership training were identified as contributive training for effective small group leadership. Pastors' sermons, learning from other leaders, and ministry experiences were also found to be helpful in leading small group ministry.;Third, seven major areas of practice on which the leaders focused in carrying out small group ministry were identified: intentional preparation, relationship evangelism, leading participatory group meetings, caring for group members, nurturing and training, problem solving, and reproduction of apprentice leaders. Evaluation was found to be an area of practice which needs improvement.;Fourth, most participants reported that they had learned valuable lessons while leading small groups over the years. They also attested that their own leadership development occurred over the years. Three major aspects of development were identified: emotional stability, flexibility, and skillfulness.;In addition, several differences resulting from the factors of gender, age, ministry experience, and church were identified. |
