What I Look For In Small Group Leaders

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I am a passionate, firm, enthusiastic, devoted believer in small group ministry for youth. I was able to start a youth ministry fifteen years ago with small groups as a key component right at the beginning, and spent those following years learning about and sharpening this crucial aspect of youth ministry. I come away from that experience with a strong conviction: Other than the gospel itself, the most unique thing we can offer to a teenager is a committed small group.

What makes me say that? Through youth ministry we can offer great activities, camps, and mentors. And while I believe that most youth groups can provide these well, we also have to admit that most students can also find those things in other places if they want to. However, I have yet to find effective small groups anywhere else in the community — the closest I’ve seen are some support groups made available by counselors.

I have found young people consistently drawn to the chance to be in a small group. I believe they are attracted to the intimacy, depth, and safety that is possible. Teenagers desperately want to share in a safe place and feel a sense of belonging. Small groups can provide that.

However, there is an element that is absolutely CRUCIAL to making a successful small groups ministry happen that cannot be overlooked: QUALITY, TRAINED, COMMITTED ADULT LEADERS! Too often I see lots of pointers given on how to manage a small group. But little is written about what sort of people should be leading those small groups.

What did I look for and ask of my small group leaders? I learned from Paul’s counsel to Timothy in his second letter:

Pray regularly for the kids you work with and will be teaching. As we pray for the kids we develop a godly affection for them, and our teaching is spirit-filled.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

Be confident in your calling to teach. Kids can tell if you are intimidated by them. Know that you have been asked to do this, so do not feel insecure about it.

1: 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life –not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

A crucial part of our job in the youth ministry to teach the kids solid doctrinal truths. We strongly desire that the kids become real students of the Word by the time they graduate from high school.

1:13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you –guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Have confidence in the power of the Word to convince, teach and change lives. Sometimes it might seem easier to just rely on handouts or curriculum prepared by some Christian publisher. Fight that temptation, and do the hard work to get kids to study the Word and not just a verse here and there. Kids will not be bored by a teacher that is excited about what he/she is teaching.

3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Live a life yourself that is steeped in scripture. The classic saying in ministry is: “We can’t take people any further than we have gone ourselves.” Be a student of the word yourself, and be ready to present the gospel. Don’t be overwhelmed by this – no one is born this way. It takes a lifetime of study and discipline.

4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage –with great patience and careful instruction.

There is so much more to say on small groups, but these are some important things to keep in mind as you get started.

[Photo by: koalie]

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kelly-soifer Kelly Soifer is a veteran youth pastor with more than 25 years experience in Young Life and in the church. She is a consultant with Youth Ministry Architects, a committed bicycle commuter and proud Italian scooter owner who lives in Santa Barbara, CA.