So what is a church small group (besides obviously being a gathering with fewer people)? Your church probably has at least a few small groups. Church small groups can gather for many different reasons and can be an important part of youth ministry. But do they really serve a purpose beyond a social gathering for students?
THE PURPOSE OF SMALL GROUPS
What are church small groups and why are they important for students? Small groups are about gathering more intimate groups of youth to:
- Connect for a purpose
- Meet at regularly scheduled times
- Help students grow in practicing spiritual habits
Small group ministry is another way to help students connect and forge greater friendships to strengthen their faith. These student small groups have many benefits.
BENEFITS OF HAVING SMALL GROUP MINISTRY FOR YOUTH
Small groups are an important way for youth to connect and learn within the church and there are many benefits:
Relationship Development
When fewer students are in a small group, they have the opportunity to develop deeper friendships with other Christian youth and build a trusted community within their age group. These connections will help them practice Christ-like relationships with others.
Care & Concern
A student’s small group can learn about concerns of the youth within the group. As they learn of the concerns and needs of others, they can practice showing their care through their words, prayers, and actions.
Faith Out Loud
Participating in a small group can help youth learn to live out their faith. This is a way for students to show what foundational lessons they have learned in church over the years and put them into practice.
Prayer Practice
Prayer in a youth small group will be more focused. A more intimate setting with fewer students can make it easier for each one to take turns praying out loud, helping them grow in confidence and practice better prayer habits.
Comfort & Safety
Small groups are less intimidating. This provides a safe space for youth and helps shy students feel more comfortable about speaking up and sharing or praying. Participating in a church small group helps students build confidence.
Edification & Encouragement
In a small group study setting, youth will learn how they can serve each other by providing edification and accountability for their Christian brothers and sisters. It’s also an opportunity to teach them how to show encouragement to others.
Message Retention
Small groups equal less distractions. The more intimate setting allows for better control of the group to help students stay focused, which will help them learn and retain more of the message you’re teaching.
Leadership Development
Youth may be natural leaders or ready to develop good leadership skills. In a small group setting, it will be more apparent who is exhibiting leadership traits and allow the opportunity for encouragement in these skills.
If your church hasn’t started small groups as a part of their youth ministry, the time is now! There are many long-term benefits for students who have the small group experience and they will grow to be more confident and comfortable in their faith. Grow Curriculum can help make it easier to start or continue your student’s small group efforts.
Grow Curriculum can ease the burden of youth small group leadership, by providing:
- Small group questions for every week
- Volunteer meeting outlines for training on specific topics
- Monthly tip videos on how to be a better small group leader
- A volunteer handbook to help you understand your role
