TEN WAYS TO EMPOWER STUDENTS IN SMALL GROUPS

Your small group is an incubator for nurturing an environment of growth, being “served” and learning to serve.  For many students, this will be their first small group experience!  You play an important role in helping them catch a vision for what it is like to experience the level of care that is so important in keeping students attending a church even after they graduate and leave our care.  Each small group is encouraged to equip and empower students to have roles of ministry with their peers. Many students would do a fine job if adults were willing to share leadership along the way. Here are some ideas:

  • Designate a student in your small group to journal prayer requests and/or send e-mail reminders to your group.
  • Encourage a student to organize a special activity (an overnighter, bowling, a movie, etc.) for other students in your small group.
  • Allow a student to facilitate a portion of the small group lesson; you might be surprised how seriously many students would take this responsibility if given the opportunity.
  • Form a group of students to occasionally lead a creative prayer time during your small group.
  • Schedule a student each week to share for 5 minutes about what God is currently doing in his/her life (encourage more of the present day journey over the traditional, past-tense "testimony.")
  • Assign students to provide snacks on alternating weeks. Be sure to brag up the students who provide the snacks so they feel appreciated!  (Studies show it is easier for students to share in discussion more easily when they have a snack as a little distraction). Don’t be afraid to ask them to pick up afterward!
  • Share small group leadership with a mature student in your small group. A basic 3-step pattern to follow is: 1) "Watch me." 2) "Let's lead together." and 3) "You lead and I'll watch."
  • Have 3-4 students form a panel, answering questions and offering advice to students re. a specific topic. This is a great way for students to add valuable insight to a topic and allow younger students to hear from older ones in your group.
  • Encourage a group of students in your room to be a "welcome team" for greeting students at the door and writing postcards to students.

 

Ten.  You think of other ways …