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youth worker, youth ministry, groups

The Joy of Student Small Groups

By Doug Franklin July 19, 2010

I’m in the process of putting together a new plan for managing our adult small group ministry at church. Sounds pretty elaborate doesn’t it? Truth is, I’m going to use LeaderTreks’ Growing Small Group Leaders to pretty much steer my whole plan. It’s a very helpful resource. It’s funny though; as I’ve been working through the process of planning out adult small groups, I realize how much I love small groups as a whole, but especially student small groups. This last year my wife and I led an adult small group and it was amazing getting to know other adults and having everyone be open and vulnerable. But the truth is, in my experience, students have always been more open and honest in a small group setting. They have less walls up and allow you more opportunities to dig into their lives, to speak truth to them, and to encourage them. And they’re more likely to act out the change they say they want to make in their lives.

So while I’m excited for this year of adult small groups, I guess I still ultimately love the joy that comes from leading a student small group just a little bit more.

About the Author

Doug Franklin

Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners  who never leave their side. Doug grew up in…  Read More