Small Groups Really Do Make a Big Difference

We recently did some research to determine the percentage of our weekend students who are involved in a small group and we were shocked. The vast majority of students who call Wildside (our junior high ministry) home are involved in a midweek small group. I sat down and made a list of some of the reasons small groups have become so attractive to our students. There's nothing scientific here, just my hunches.

• Small groups are really fun! Small groups embody all of the values that I think make church fun: They are Real, Relevant, Relaxed and Relational. Every small group I visit (including my own 7th grade guy's group) is full of laughter, horseplay and silliness.


• Small groups are intimate. It's in our small groups that students share their hurts and fears. It's in these groups that decisions are made and students are held accountable. It's in these groups that students take time to lift each other up to the Father.


• Small groups are safe. In our small groups kids can be who they really are. In a large group setting, it's easy to hide behind a mask; in a small group those masks are quickly called out for what they are and students are free to be the unique individual God intends them to be. In a small group a nerd can be a nerd, a jock can be a jock and nobody needs to apologize for it.


• Small groups are helping students grow. Believe it or not, junior high students are capable of spiritual growth. This growth happens best when questions are asked, thoughts are expressed, lessons are experienced together and their faith is made real. This seems to happen best in a small group setting.

Last October, I took in a dozen new 7th graders who were shy, intimidated and overwhelmed by the prospect of starting junior high. For the past 10 months we've laughed together, played together and learned together. Most importantly we've grown together. Today, these guys are well on their way to an incredible 8th grade experience. An experience that will certainly be enhanced by the times we get together in one of their homes for our Tuesday night small group.

Small groups are a messy, frustrating and painstaking endeavor. It's much easier just to lump everyone together for another game night or lecture-style sermon. Small groups take big effort, but they really do make a big difference!