Starting Youth Small Groups
It's not Sabbath School. It's smaller than youth group. It's not quite a Bible study class. And, NO, it's not a waste of time.
SMALL GROUPS.
What exactly is a small group? It really is just a small gathering of people (anywhere from three to twenty) who are studying God's word outside of regular church worship. It can be anywhere at anytime, and it makes a great forum for topics of interest that may not be discussed in a church setting. Because the setting is smaller, it whi makes religious more personal and not as distant. Also, the intimate setting provides for a support system to edify and encourage each other in both earthly and spiritual matters.
So how about a small group for youth, target age 10-18? I'm thinking that's a good idea. Why?
Now, youth small groups can be outside of church as well. If you are a young person or youth leader who knows young people who may not necessarily be in the church (or your church at least), you can start a small group with them. Or even all of the people interested ARE in your church, you do not have to do it with your entire church. You can just decide to meet with friends to study and apply God's word. I did a similar thing in my church a couple of years ago, except that mine was structured as a Bible study class and not a small group. It was with friends (and all of us already knew each other), but it was more of a class, though sometimes it resembled a small group. It did, however, implement youth leadership as the class was not at all run by adults. Occasionally, there was adult supervision, but overall we did it ourselves. AND ENJOYED IT!!! It was cool to hang out with friends after church lunch and do something that would not get us in trouble.
A small group can be started wherever, whenever, with whomever. As long as all of you desire to be closer to God, it can work out! Below is a downloadable document containing an outline to give you an idea of how small groups can be done. There will be more documents and links and such as time goes by, so keep checking! I pray that your youth will PlugIn2God. =)
SMALL GROUPS.
What exactly is a small group? It really is just a small gathering of people (anywhere from three to twenty) who are studying God's word outside of regular church worship. It can be anywhere at anytime, and it makes a great forum for topics of interest that may not be discussed in a church setting. Because the setting is smaller, it whi makes religious more personal and not as distant. Also, the intimate setting provides for a support system to edify and encourage each other in both earthly and spiritual matters.
So how about a small group for youth, target age 10-18? I'm thinking that's a good idea. Why?
- To Keep an Active Interest in God
- To Create a Support Group / Working Relationships within the Church (or among different people in general)
- To Encourage Personal Evangelism
- To Foster Youth Leadership
Now, youth small groups can be outside of church as well. If you are a young person or youth leader who knows young people who may not necessarily be in the church (or your church at least), you can start a small group with them. Or even all of the people interested ARE in your church, you do not have to do it with your entire church. You can just decide to meet with friends to study and apply God's word. I did a similar thing in my church a couple of years ago, except that mine was structured as a Bible study class and not a small group. It was with friends (and all of us already knew each other), but it was more of a class, though sometimes it resembled a small group. It did, however, implement youth leadership as the class was not at all run by adults. Occasionally, there was adult supervision, but overall we did it ourselves. AND ENJOYED IT!!! It was cool to hang out with friends after church lunch and do something that would not get us in trouble.
A small group can be started wherever, whenever, with whomever. As long as all of you desire to be closer to God, it can work out! Below is a downloadable document containing an outline to give you an idea of how small groups can be done. There will be more documents and links and such as time goes by, so keep checking! I pray that your youth will PlugIn2God. =)
Youth Small Groups Outline | |
File Size: | 199 kb |
File Type: |