It seems many people think of a large youth group as the goal of student ministry. Actually, there are tremendous advantages to being a part of a small youth group. Many students thrive in the smaller setting, for they can participate in leadership in ways that would be impossible in the larger group. Often our large youth groups operate on a “survival of the fittest” principle, much like a large high school or junior high. The brightest, most talented, most athletic, best looking . . . these are the students that get most of the attention. Other students can be overlooked. I realize this isn’t always the case, but often the quieter or less “obviously-gifted” student gets lost in the shuffle of a large group.

I have also observed that students in the smaller youth group often are more assimilated into the church as a whole. They serve in the worship service, help with church-wide projects, and interact cross-generationally. I sometimes hear students from very large youth groups say they are members of “XYZ youth group”–members of the youth group, not members of XYZ Church. It is easier for the larger group to become its own entity. Small youth groups often depend upon church interaction for its health and well-being. When students are well-assimilated into the total church, it provides experiences they will want to duplicate as they leave their hometown for college or career. They will have a desire to find another church home. Students from large youth groups may simply seek to duplicate the large, high-energy experience of the large group through attending a mid-week mass gathering (and, these are wonderful opportunities!) to the exclusion of the local church.

Relationships are key in spiritual transformation. It requires time spent with students to help them discover who they are and how God desires to continually enrich and challenge their lives. Relationships can occur in any size youth group. That is why we never need to be discouraged or feel less significant if we have a small youth group. God is there, loving and transforming every step of the way. And your students will never forget the ways in which you shared His impact on their lives.

Jane Wilson, Youth Ministry and Youth Bible Study Specialist
Baptist General Convention of Texas