Transforming Leaders Through Anchored Community
Small Group Questions
``As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.`` — Proverbs 27:17
This guide is crafted for small groups of 4–8 leaders committed to exploring the principles of anchored leadership together. Each session aligns with a chapter or section of the book and creates space for deep reflection, practical application, and spiritual formation.
Opening Questions
To kick off reflection
Core Discussions
For deeper exploration of key themes
Practical Exercises
To apply concepts hands-on
Closing Challenges
For continued growth between sessions
Session Length: Sessions are designed to run 60–90 minutes, though feel free to adjust timings to suit your group’s needs and discussion depth.
01
Leading in the Storm
Prologue & Introduction
Opening Question
Describe a time when you were “leading in a storm.” What did it teach you about yourself and leadership?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Cultural Resilience and storms that form us
• Chronos vs. Kairos Leadership timing
• Peace that transcends understanding
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Anchor Assessment: Identify one “chronos” area where you rush or control, then imagine a “kairos” approach focusing on surrender and God’s timing.
15 minutes
02
Breaking Anxious Patterns
Ch. 1–2: Age of Anxiety & Gift of Stillness
Opening Question
What consistently makes you anxious as a leader? How do you typically respond to that anxiety?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Anxiety Diagnosis and cultural forces
• The Gift of Stillness and sacred pauses
• Saul vs. Jesus: reactive vs. responsive leadership
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Stillness Experiment: 5 minutes of group silence, followed by debrief on what was noticed or experienced.
15 minutes
03
Wisdom and Grace
Ch. 3–4: Voice of Wisdom & Full of Truth and Grace
Opening Question
Describe a time when you felt torn between peacekeeping and speaking necessary truth. What did you choose and what was the outcome?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Discerning God’s Voice vs. cultural pressure
• Truth and Grace Integration in leadership
• Leading Among Equals with authority
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Grace & Truth Roleplay: Practice challenging conversations using both grace and truth in various scenarios.
15 minutes
04
Deep Change
Ch. 5: Deep Change
Opening Question
Recall a time when you tried a “quick fix” that failed. What deeper issue was present that you initially overlooked?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Surface vs. Depth in leadership challenges
• Formation vs. Performance mindsets
• Rest as Revolution in anxious cultures
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
DEEP Process Workshop: Diagnose, Examine, Embrace, Practice approach to current leadership challenges.
15 minutes
05
Breaking Anxious Patterns
Ch. 6: The Power of the Word
Opening Question
Share a Bible verse that significantly shaped a major leadership decision. How did Scripture guide you?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Scripture as Foundation for authority
• Integration vs. Information in Bible study
• Word-Centered Practices for leaders
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Lectio Divina: Group practice with Joshua 1:8, Psalm 46:10, or 2 Corinthians 3:18.
15 minutes
06
Self-Forgetfulness & Community
Ch. 7–8: Self-Forgetfulness & Sojourners
Opening Question
Think of someone who played the role of Paul (mentor), Barnabas (peer), or Timothy (mentee) in your life. What impact did they have?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Kenotic Leadership and self-emptying
• Relational Ecosystem assessment
• Soul Friendship vs. networking
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Community Mapping: Draw Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy circles to assess relational ecosystem.
15 minutes
07
Trust and Endurance
Ch. 9–10: Trust & Endurance
Opening Question
Who do you deeply trust in leadership, and what specific qualities make that trust so profound?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Five Foundations of Trust assessment
• Restoration vs. Betrayal in relationships
• Hupomeno Endurance through seasons
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Trust Inventory: Self-assessment on Clarity, Competence, Consistency, Care, Character.
15 minutes
08
Integrated Leadership
Ch. 11: Paul – The Integrated Leader
Opening Question
What would need to change for you to genuinely say, “Follow me as I follow Christ”?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• Integration vs. Isolation of virtues
• Grace-Powered Weakness in leadership
• Followable Leadership principles
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Virtue Integration Review: Rate yourself on Word-centeredness, Humility, Community, Trust, Endurance.
15 minutes
03
Living Anchored
Selah: Conclusion
Opening Question
What is the most significant part of “anchored leadership” that will stay with you long-term?
10 minutes
Core Discussion Topics
• From Storm to Stillness journey
• “I Want To” vs. “I Have To” mindset
• Finding your Still Point with God
30-40 minutes
Practical Exercise
Personal Rule of Life: Create daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rhythms for ongoing formation.
15 minutes
Get the Complete Guide
Download the full discussion guide with detailed facilitator notes, additional resources, and printable materials for your small group journey.
Additional Resources for Group Leaders
Preparation Tips
- Read chapters ahead and mark key passages
- Share your own story to invite authenticity
- Bring Bibles and journals for the group
- Consider providing relevant page numbers
Group Dynamics
- Limit groups to 4–8 people for voice
- Rotate discussion leadership
- Create space for vulnerability and grace
- Focus on heart format
Between Sessions
- Encourage application of exercises
- Send midweek check-ins
- Pair participants for accountability
- Address struggles with empathy
Long-Term Vision
- Train participants to lead future groups
- Connect with other groups for community
- Explore related follow-up topics
- Focus on faithful presence over perfection