People keep coming and want to meet

When a group is going well, people really want to meet regularly, and nobody has to push them to show up. Small groups shouldn’t be “just another church thing”; they should be the core of your youth ministry. No matter the distance or the weather, people can’t wait for the next meeting? That’s healthy!

People are real and open with each other

The beautiful thing about small groups is that people can be “real” in the context of their everyday lives. It usually takes a while before people become open and transparent. But when prayer, caring for each other and trust are truly lived out, spiritual life happens. It should be more than “I’m fine.” It should be transparent and committed, so that spiritual growth can be seen openly in people’s lives. Only when people share their lives with each other can it benefit everyone.

People grow in knowledge and grace

Small group isn’t school! It’s life in the living room. We do need to know more about the Bible and Jesus, but applying it is what counts. It’s about becoming more like Jesus! And for that, what we know has to change how we live.

Small groups are the seedbed for future leaders

A small group grows organically, and many leaders take their first steps here. Where the leader stands shows where the group stands. Are the marks of discipleship actively lived out? Does spiritual content really shape the leader? Is the leader willing to be led by you? Is there an assistant leader? These questions reveal potential future leaders in your youth ministry.

Real unity and friendship grow

A small group starts out as a study group and usually becomes an inseparable unit of people who share their lives and grow together. That’s koinonia (Greek for fellowship) in its purest form. How much does the group study together, and how much does it live life together? These two factors show you where the small group stands.

Club culture or welcoming culture?

Is the small group open to others and able to include them, or is it an exclusive club of elite fighters with its own language and culture? A small group has to “adopt” new people. That means it has to be possible to visit the group. That’s the first step before new people can become part of it. Is the group ready to adapt to take in new people, or is it rather inflexible? Do people invite others, or does the group shut itself off? Remember: the small group is a means for your work with young people, not a planet with its own solar system!

Multiplication

Is the whole thing growing? Are new leaders or more committed members coming out of the small group? Is the group growing in size and depth? When a group splits and is developing well, there’s no problem at all figuring out who the next leader could be. It just happens.

Small groups are your ideal tool for developing young people and helping them grow spiritually. So use small groups to build a good, positive culture of discipleship in your youth ministry!

English version: October 2026