Investing in Students

When I was a small group leader in Kentucky I was given a lot of resources that dealt with small group dynamics (the following is not my direct idea). This article talks about how leaders can intentionally connect with and invest in the lives of students for the sake of eternity. Take a moment to think about what you have done this semester and what you have not done. Email me what you have to get better at (and what steps you are going to take to accomplish the task).

Here are some helpful tips for connecting and investing with your small group:

Review the Lesson, Even if You are not Teaching:

“My Small Group doesn’t want to talk.” A good working knowledge of the lesson will allow you to talk through the points covered and will help guide students to interact with material not specifically talked about during the lesson. Each Trek lesson has a Scripture it bases its lesson on (2.4 = Proverbs 3:1-8; 2.5 = Proverbs 4:10-27). Take time during the week to read through and study that Scripture (do it like you were going to teach the lesson).

Spend Time With Your Students Outside of Small Group Time:

To connect inside the walls of the church building, you have to connect outside. This is when your relationships with them will be strengthened. They will have the opportunity to see that you are a real person. This could be as simple as grabbing coffee together, having a sleep over, showing up at their sporting events, or going on a student ministry event. Specifically, here are suggested steps:

· At least once a month, call and encourage each member of your small group. Writing a card of encouragement is also a great way to connect.

· At least once a semester, plan a get-together for you and your students (A monthly get-together can be as easy as going out to lunch after Bible Fellowship, having students in your home for games and desert, or meeting them at a fun center. Also, most students have money. Don’t feel the need to float the bill).

· At least once a semester make it a point to connect with your small group member’s parents. Ask them how you can better serve as an ally in the lives of their teen.

Let Students Do the Talking:

You should guide the small group time, but your students should be doing the talking. The temptation for many small group leaders is to hijack the small group and teach another lesson. However, students should be doing the talking. This ensures that they are paying attention and actually grasping what is being taught.

Back Up Your Words With Actions:

Model the lessons you teach. You are not perfect and students can benefit from lessons you learn in life. One of the best things you can do for your students is to let them see you strive to walk closer with Christ.

Simple Do’s and Dont’s

Do

· Call students by name

· Be prepared and study your lesson

· Be flexible to the needs of the group

· Start and finish on time [emphasis added]

· Be prepared to learn from the students

Don’t

· Ask for a show of hands for attendance of upcoming events

· Talk too much or teach another lesson

· Be afraid of silence – the uncomfortableness of silence can encourage participation

· Be satisfied with the first response [ask them to explain what they mean]

· Be insecure about challenging discussions

· Be afraid to discipline students [send them to the youth pastor]

These are great ideas and tips for how to connect with students to impact their lives for eternity. But one thing that this article left out was prayer. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SPEND TIME ON YOUR KNEES IN PRAYER FOR THE STUDENTS IN YOUR SMALL GROUP. We can do nothing without the power of God coursing through our lives. This power is accessed through prayer! Also, as you spend time with students make sure you are intentionally encouraging them to live for Christ.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER IDEAS OR THOUGHTS? HAVE YOU NOTICED THINGS THAT WORK AND THINGS THAT DON’T WORK WITH THE STUDENTS IN YOUR SMALL GROUP? LET ME KNOW…..