Sometimes people look at me funny when I talk about the SmallYouthGroup.com ministry. I suppose talking about the value of small youth groups may at times make it sound like the goal is to stay small. Yes and no. First, our calling is to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). That certainly implies that the kingdom of God would grow. It normally implies that the local church would grow as well. (Obviously if you are making disciples in Peru it would not mean direct growth for your church in Iowa.) On the other hand, big churches have discovered that the larger your church grows, the smaller it must become. In order for a big church to actually care for and equip believers, it must develop an organization in which everyone finds a small group they can belong to. A lot of people have advanced ideas about church growth. Some of them don’t really fit a small youth group. I believe that the most significant principles for growth in a small youth group may be counter-intuitive–they don’t seem like the normal approach to growth. Because of that, a lot of youth leaders are frustrated when they don’t see their youth groups grow. Here are my thoughts. Would appreciate you adding your own thoughts below.

1. Pray. I know, it is the Sunday School answer, but I am serious. When we seek God for students to disciple and leaders to disciple them, we demonstrate that we understand that the work belongs to him. God is the growth strategist you need for your church. He is the one that will guide you and will make your work fruitful.
2. Focus on making disciples rather than growing the group. Activities that attract teenagers are good, but attracting teenagers is not the purpose of our ministry. The purpose is to make disciples. Growing teenagers who are able to share their faith with others and can become disciplers themselves will take a lot deeper investment than having a pizza party after the football game.
3. Remember that discipleship is relational and not just educational. Yes, you need to teach teenagers, but you also need to model what real faith looks like in real life situations.
4. Do fun things, but always keep the focus of the ministry on knowing Christ and making him known.
5. Expand your team. You may be thinking, “Okay, we have five kids. Why should I expand my team?” If you are the only youth leader, you may only be able to reach teenagers who “get” you. Teenagers who think differently than you do, those who come from different backgrounds, and those who have different interests will be harder for you to disciple. The more team members you engage, the more teenagers you will have the potential of reaching. Don’t wait until you get more teenagers to ask individuals to join your work. Getting additional leaders on board will help you reach more students.

Trust that God will add to your group in his time. Care for students as God allows you to reach them and challenge them to develop a relationship with Jesus and join him on his mission. Don’t stress about students you invest in who end up in another church. The work is kingdom work. Be patient and trust God.