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When Small Groups Work Best

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By Kurt Johnston
8/23/2007

When it comes to small groups, there are lots of variables: Should they meet on campus or in homes? Should they be co-ed or same sex? Should they all study the same curriculum or be allowed to pick their own? Should they meet all year round or take the summer off? While these are all good questions, and worth thinking about, the truth is that none of these are the factors that most contribute to a successful small group ministry. Over the next couple of newsletters, I want to take a look at several key small group components that I believe make small groups work best.

• Small Groups Work Best When Healthy Leaders Are In Place. Over the years I've learned that small groups rise and fall on the leaders

  Spiritually mature, healthy leaders who understand young teen development and have the patience to be part of the journey are crucial to small group ministry.

  Spiritually mature, healthy leaders who understand young teen development and have the patience to be part of the journey are crucial to small group ministry.


• Small Groups Work Best When Leaders Stick Around. In our ministry we've discovered that students who have the same small group leaders from year to year almost always report having had a better small group experience. Look for ways to slow down the 'revolving door' of adults who are leading your small groups.


• Small Groups Work Best When Leaders Are Trained And Encouraged. Healthy leaders who stick around usually aren't born; they're made! Don't assume a parent of an 8th grader knows how to lead a small group made up of eight 8th graders. A twenty-one year old college student who seems about twice as cool as you isn't automatically a confident, competent leader. Take the time to meet regularly with your small group leaders for training and encouragement.


• Small Groups Work Best With More Than One Leader. I understand how tough it is to get enough small group leaders, let alone two per group! However, the benefits of two leaders per small group are too important to be ignored. Accountability, the ability for one to take a week off if needed, partnering a veteran with a rookie, two sets of life experiences and the ability to build deeper relationships with students are just a few of the reasons having two leaders per group makes sense.


• Small Groups Work Best When Leaders Get To Know The Parents. Greeting parents when they drop their student off, Asking to speak to mom or dad when calling a student and writing a quick note of encouragement to parents are super easy ways leaders can begin to build relationships with parents. When parents know and trust their child's small group leader, they will be way more supportive.

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I love your thoughts; especially the last point about meeting parents. Knowing the family can help a youth leader minister to the student much more effectively. When family conflict comes up and they get the youth leader involved, the time invested in these relationships becomes even more valuable.

Dennis Beckner 5:03:41pm on 3/11/2009

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I am a Music/Worship Pastor who has become a Youth Pastor as well. I am so busy these days. I'm trying to understand small groups, and when and how to use them. We have Sunday School and Wednesday night youth group. Are small groups supposed to meet during these times or in addition to these times?

David Wooten 10:12:04am on 12/16/2008

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Yea, this info basically rocks. Props to my youth pastor, Ryan Stoops, for finding it and sending it to us leaders! And of course, props to the ppl who take the time to share their wisdom in ministry. Thanks so much!

Katie Russell 7:07:13pm on 7/28/2008

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I look forward to reading more. I am in my second year as Confirmation Director at my parish and small groups are the core of our program. I would love to hear more ideas that work and activities that have a message.

Judy 9:07:40am on 7/16/2008

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This is the best youth site I've ever come accross.

T.Muanlal 1:07:15am on 7/16/2008

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This is soooooo true :)

CyanFox 10:07:11pm on 7/15/2008

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This is what teens and parents are looking for. Too often the hockey coach takes more interest in the family that the youth worker. Small groups work with adults as well when we actually take an interest in each other.

dennis wells 8:07:23pm on 7/15/2008

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Thank you Thank You so much!!! I've learned so much from this site. THANK YOU and May God Bless you all. Andy Vietnamese Baptist Church

Andy 11:01:09am on 1/26/2008

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God bless you :)

John 12:11:05pm on 11/20/2007

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