Subscribe to the Network4 Reasons Why We Have Small Groups
Writing up a whole new batch of leader training this year for our small group leaders. Here’s some of the “why” I’ve been writing about small groups:
CARE: Small groups make the large group small
We like the anonymity our large group program provides, but love the attention to individuals that small groups give. Instead of being an unknown in a crowd, we help students be known and loved as an individual young man or woman.COMMUNITY: They are an integral part of our discipleship process
The weekend service is just the beginning – we want to encourage students to take spiritual steps forward in our process. Small groups is that next step, and is the gateway to other parts of the journey like serving and growing deeper in their faith. A breakdown at this level can hinder spiritual growth.WISDOM: There is power in an adult life intersecting with students’ lives
There are all sorts of influences in a student’s life – we believe that pairing them with a well-trained, loving leader is a powerful way for them to grow spiritually and taste spiritual community. Someone down the path of life a little further can provide impactful insight, encouragement and warnings in the life of a high school student.ACCOUNTABILITY: In community there is plenty of positive peer pressure and reinforcement
Being in a small group with other committed Christians encourages students to grow together, to make wise decisions, and have present accountability speaking into their lives. We imagine a place where students are encouraged on God’s path and wise decisions are encouraged – and when someone makes a poor choice they are greeted with love and a push back onto God’s path. Small groups provide that environment of attention.
Why do you have small groups?
JG
Just started a new thing in our ministry. (Trying it out at least) IN our ministry we have grades 7-12 from 3 different Highschools and about 5 middle schools in a small rural town. Our group is in a transition time with a large bulk of kids in our 9/10 grades ….which is AWESOME.
BreakOut groups, as we call them, have 3 purposes.
1)Care – 1st Corinthians 12:15-16
Our ministry is in a season of Growth and I don’t want kids just showing up on a Wednesday just so we can mark their names off on a list and total up the numbers. I finally realized that I can’t care for everyone no matter how much I want to or try. (took me a few years)
2)Connect –
– To Others – Romans 12:4
You don’t have to be bff’s with everyone in the youth ministry, but should know you can rely on anyone.
– To God’s Word – 2nd Tim. 3:16
3)Apply – James 1:22
Teenagers need to talk out why and how things in Scripture apply to them.