Fall '05 - Think small

Below you'll find some tips that Jim Burns (a youth ministry veteran of over 30 yrs) has to share when it comes to leading small groups. Maybe you'll find these to be helpful reminders or new insights. Thanks for all you do to invest into the lives of students. I'm grateful for your service and smiles! -Jack

=============

Think small . Part of a youth group experience is to develop a long lasting love for God and a need for community. Small groups do that more effectively than a large, sometimes not very personal group meeting.  

Doug Fields and others have written great material on the strategy of small groups. Let me list a number of small group tips that really make a difference.

.  Include everyone in the discussion whenever possible.
.  At the beginning, let everyone in the group talk, they need a victory. Have them share a non-threatening piece of information about themselves in the group.
.  Be aware of new people, and include them in the conversation.
.  Remember that small groups often raise the tension level (because people can't hide).
.  Move from light to heavy discussion.
.  Ask "I feel" rather than "I know" questions.
.  The best questions do not have right or wrong answers.
.  The longer the group is together, the better they will feel about the group.
.  In a small group, it's easier to share, pray, encourage and be personal than in a larger group.
.  Do not allow one person to monopolize the conversation.
.  Write out discussion questions. (use the lesson)
.  Avoid any put-downs.
.  Discussion questions should be answerable.
.  Affirm people for what they are saying.
.  Allow people the right to pass and not share.
.  Create a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
.  Don't always expound on the answer yourself.
.  Call people by name.
.  Eye contact and body language are important for the leader.
.  When you ask someone to read, make sure he or she is able to read out loud or else don't ask them.
.  Get your group in a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can see each other's eyes.
.  Request confidentiality in the group.

I hope that gives you some helpful ideas to pass on to new small group leaders. Going small is big! Thanks for your leadership in the lives of students.

Go small,

- Jim Burns
HomeWord.com