Creating An Awesome Small Group Environment

As a DNow Small Group leader, how do you create an atmosphere of community and learning?

This has always been one of the toughest parts of being a small group leader, especially if you are in a retreat center atmosphere. Getting students to care, listen, grow and still have fun is a challenge!

Here are three ideas to help you craft an awesome small group environment:

1.  Belonging
Students need to feel like they belong in a group. This is easier for most girls; just make time for them to share. For boys this can be a little tougher. I start by challenging the core group of guys to reach out to the other students in the group. This can’t come solely from the small group leader; the students need to be the ones focused on reaching out.

2.  Connection

Connection comes from feeling valued. Often value comes when someone else recognizes a key quality of character in your life. It’s important as the small group leader to say often, “I see this _________ characteristic in you” or “I see God working in your life by _________.” These comments coming from the leader will connect them to the students. The people we connect with are the people that challenge us.

3.  Excitement

Create some memories, make some legends. Do some activities with students that are awesome. These kinds of activities will reinforce belonging and connection.

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Doug Franklin is a veteran youth worker and the founder of LeaderTreks. Doug is a big believer in the role DNow can play in the spiritual development of teenagers.