When teenagers come consistently it builds momentum for growth and deeper discipleship. The problem is cultivating that consistency. That’s why small groups are so important.
Courtesy of Kyknoord/Creative Commons License
Small groups bring the consistency and create growth because of one piece. When it comes to small groups it’s all about the:
RELATIONSHIPS
Sounds obvious, but it’s easily overlooked. It’s easy to get bogged down on the content and numbers. While important, relationships matter more.
When you cultivate relationships in small groups teenagers open up and the group gets stronger. To cultivate relationships you need to put together a format that focuses on them. And it starts with:
Small groups that pray together are the ones that will go deeper sooner. We put prayer at the beginning simply to invite the Holy Spirit into the conversation. Then we end with prayer intentions. This reminds the group that they are not on their own. The praying might be simple but it is significant.
Teens will feed off of their leaders relationships. Make sure each group has two leaders who not only get along but invest in one another. If teenagers sense tension they won’t know how to open up.
Make sure the leaders spend time getting to know one another outside of the usual gathering. If you sense tension address it right away. Misaligned leaders will hurt a group quickly.
While there are important topics of faith to cover a teen needs to know they can open up. Create opportunities with a check-in at the beginning of the group. Let teens know that they can share a life issue at any time.
Prepare your leaders to allow teens to talk. If it takes the group off topic for a minute let them know it’s not a problem. Encourage your leaders to set aside time where someone can share what’s going on.
Format, content, environments are all important. But, if they do not lead to deepening relationships then your groups will suffer. Relationships are what keep the teens coming back, growing deeper and embracing the church.
[reminder] How else do you cultivate relationships in small groups? [/reminder]