4. Find your curriculum. Select a Bible-based program that fosters interactive discussion and is easy for leaders to use. A good curriculum enables the leader to facilitate — rather than “teach” — the group.
5. Train small group leaders. One of the biggest pitfalls in small group ministry to kids is the lack of leader training. Leaders need to know basic safety issues such as to never be alone with a child. Yet, small group leaders need specific training beyond the basics, such as the following:
- Leading a discussion — Leaders need to be taught how to facilitate discussions with open-ended questions. Asking questions such as “How?” and “Why do you think that?” engages kids. Questions answered with “yes,” “no,” or pat answers will kill a discussion. It takes time for kids to trust that they can share their ideas. They’re a little unsure about thinking aloud, and they’re even more unsure about telling us what they feel. Kids will begin to trust their small group leader when they see that person cares about them, their thoughts, and their feelings.
- Providing consistency — “We live in a very transient society. Our kids are not in church every week,” says James. “We haven’t solved this problem, but we can emphasize to the parents how important it is to consistently come to church. The other thing we can do is provide consistent leadership that’s always there so when our kids do come to church, there’s a familiar face to connect with.”
- Creating a trusting environment — Don’t put a child on the spot to contribute to a discussion. Children will open up and share when they feel comfortable. Once a child starts to open up and contribute to a discussion, don’t ever tell him that his answer is wrong. Be sensitive to the child’s feelings.
- Allowing a group to become a group — Relationships don’t happen overnight. During the first six weeks of a group, focus on the relationship-building aspect. “A litmus test for the effectiveness of a small group isn’t how well kids can recite the Bible information you’ve tried to communicate,” Mikal says, “but it’s what happens the next time a child is transparent about a difficulty or a challenge. Do the other kids leap on that, get uncomfortable and ignore it, or do they offer reassurance to the child?”
- Understanding kids’ invisible world — “Kids don’t treat other kids the same way when an adult is around. They have a whole different pecking order,” says Mikal. The world of elementary and junior high kids becomes invisible when adults are present. So adults getting into a child’s life is all the more difficult without a positive and authentic relationship.
6. Kick off your ministry. Have a large kickoff event for kids and their parents. Or each small group can have a special gathering to celebrate the group’s new beginnings.
Starting a small group ministry may be much easier than you think, and the benefits are limitless. Small groups provide kids opportunities to engage in healthy relationships with adults and their peers. Knowing they can count on others for support and prayer will impact kids for a lifetime. Experiencing Christian community firsthand will strengthen their faith and change their lives.
Give your kids the opportunity to experience life-changing relationships through a small group ministry in your church. They’ll experience the body of Christ in action.
“A litmus test for the effectiveness of a small group isn’t how well kids can recite the Bible information you’ve tried to communicate, but it’s what happens the next time a child is transparent about a difficulty or a challenge.”
