Comments on: Why the Change in Small Groups?

By: Most Popular Posts – June 2008 | More Than DodgeBall - Youth Ministry Blog by Josh Griffin - Saddleback Church's High School Youth Ministry (HSM)

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:09:06 +0000

[...] Why the Change in Small Groups? [...]

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:19:08 +0000

We are doing something similar–we are using the same basic materials, but we’ve divided our small groups into jr high and sr high (and then again into guys and girls groups). The challenge for each of the small group leaders is to make the materials relevant to the age group, and that gives us freedom within the small group, but keeps us all talking about the same basic issues (currently we’re using an “Evan Almighty” devotional, and talking about how to respond to God’s call) We’re using some of our older sr high students to serve as group leaders along with an adult–gives the students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, with adult support (especially important in the jr high groups!)

By: Tony Myles

Tony Myles — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:29:58 +0000

I liked the picture… until I read Kyle’s comments.

Very insightful on both sides of the fence. I think the answer is unity for a semester (maybe the first), and then individuality for the next as an option if groups want it… but that group needs to go through the unity ropes first to show good team support.

For instance, a coach may tell his players, “Everyone bench press.” But the weight that is used will vary for each, as well as the approach (high reps, low reps, deadlift style, 21′s, etc).

By: Ange

Ange — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:51:29 +0000

Josh,
I agree with the unified curriculum concept (so that everyone stays on the same page, can reference during weekend, etc.); however — how will this concept fit the spiritual needs of seekers vs. strong believers? We don’t want to scare away seekers with heavy curriculum (aka UNITED); but don’t want to bore mature believers with newbie religious concepts.
Personally, I think the trick is to allow freedom within this unified curriculum and offer “deeper” options that can be added/substituted. Yes, a lot more work — but you’ll be keeping everyone growing spiritually in the same direction just at different paces.
Ange

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:06:11 +0000

Josh,
You are doing what our Youth ministry is doing. The only difference is that you are on a much larger scale–we’re a church with 200 members and about 30-40 teens–most of which are not from the church. We tried something new this year by grouping our kids by learning style each studying something geared to their needs, which worked for about 3 months, but since each small group had teaching autonomy the larger group began to fracture. Our small groups (all but one of them) are dying and the ministry as a whole is going with it. What we are going to try to fix this problem is to have an all group teaching time (mostly by me) followed by small groups to discuss the teaching. It’s pretty much the way your drawings are set up. By the way, I’m stealing the concept of your drawings for my staff meeting so my staff can more easily grasp the concept…I hope you don’t mind.

By: Andy Lawrenson

Andy Lawrenson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:15:20 +0000

Did I mention I like the drawrings.

By: Casey Prince

Casey Prince — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:23:53 +0000

Josh, I’ve always wanted to use a grade-specific curriculum, but haven’t had the time to create it. I’m interested to see how unified curriculum works for you guys. It’s always a struggle to make something count for both a freshmen girl and a senior guy. With the Refinery opening it seems like the perfect time to try it. That will give it the extra energy.

By: Scott Bloyer

Scott Bloyer — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:01:21 +0000

This is great and I so appreciate the information you share with the work that is being done in the ministry. I was wondering are you going to start every year of this way? Or is this a one time shot? Again thank you for the time you share with the rest of us in the trenches.

Scott

By: Matt Lane

Matt Lane — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:56:41 +0000

Hey Josh, I am a strong believer in the ongoing care, coaching and mentoring of leaders. When you say you will remove the box in January, what does that look like, how will it play out? Freedom within a strong framework…does that thought persist after December?

Evaluating and changing…the marks of a good leader. Nice job.

Matt

By: kyle.

kyle. — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:45:49 +0000

it seems like this move will help the worst groups, but if socialism has taught us anything it’s that the top suffers when sweeping, unilateral decisions are made to help the lowest common denominator. what i’m getting at is the fact that the best groups are probably excelling for the same reason that the worst are failing, namely the freedom to do what they want. take away that freedom and the worst groups will undoubtedly improve, but the best groups lose at least some of the ability to adapt to their students. was this decision made with the input of those leaders whose groups are working well or was it made in a vacuum?

By: Andy Lawrenson

Andy Lawrenson — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:00:25 +0000

I like the arrows.
I think there will be healthier and stronger results from moving all small groups in the same direction. I like the unity of it.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:24:09 +0000

@Dennis … dude, I’ve got some practical ideas … let me shoot you an email about a couple of them.

By: Dennis

Dennis — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:17:37 +0000

Josh,
For several reasons, I love that you’re revamping small groups. Most of my reasons are listed on your blog post. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up. This is going to be great. How can I help?
-Dennis

By: Kyle Cleveland

Kyle Cleveland — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:31:15 +0000

Absolutely genius… behind you 100%!