Each Grace Group in the ministry is led by two people, co-leaders, and the importance of their roles cannot be over-emphasized.

Leaders in our grace group ministry are facilitators whose primary goal must be to create an environment where the love of Christ is communicated and where participants feel valued, understood and comfortable enough to feel and share.

Effective group leaders are in process. They do not have to be on top of all issues and situations. They realize restoration is a process that takes time, so they do not have to feel finished. However, to be effective they must possess several qualities which make them sensitive and accessible to others. We look for those who demonstrate:

1. A deep desire to maintain a close, personal relationship with God.  They must be able to recognize the limitations and inadequacy of their own wisdom and willingly seek the counsel of God.
2. A group leader must be sensitive to members' need for privacy and protect confidentially.
3. A leader is compassionate and gentle, yet strong.  A leader is not seen as a "rescuer".
4. Men and women in leadership roles must also demonstrate a sensitivity and a tolerance for others' pain.  A leader must not be so engulfed in their own unresolved pain that they cannot put it aside in order to feel another's.
5. Formal academic training is helpful, but not required, but a potential leader must be willing to participate in on-going education through reading new material and attending seminars.  It is essential that all group leaders attend SALTS.
6. Typically Grace Group leaders have gone through our ministry as group members themselves.  At some point, we approach them about becoming a co-leader when they have shown progress within the group.

One-to-one counseling, coupled with being in a group, SALTS training, reading and journaling are all important in preparing for the work of this ministry.