Tips For Leading A Boys DNow Small Group

I’ve been on all sides of the DNow experience. And I can honestly say the most rewarding and challenging task has been leading guy’s small groups.

Here are three tips I’ve learned that will help you get the most out of your time with guys in small group.

Throw Your Agenda Out The Window
If you’re working with younger guys, any agenda you may have will be preempted by multiple interruptions, spontaneous wrestling matches, and contests/remarks/gagging noises in response to any variety of odors produced by your guys. If you’re with older guys, you’ll spend half your time together drilling through the “tough-guy front” so many senior high guys put up. This is OK. This is what doing small group with guys is all about. You have to be willing to roll with.

Know your curriculum. Know what you want to accomplish. Have a plan. But accept that you probably won’t get there without a few detours.

No One’s Tracking Cool Points
The worst thing you can do is try to be someone you aren’t. Are you a gamer who’s been thrown in to leading a group of jocks? Or vice versa? Instead of trying to be someone you’re not, own the difference. Let your students be the expert at being who they are. You be the expert at being who you are. It’s a shame the word “authenticity” has become so over-used. Because authenticity is one of your biggest resources as a small group leader. Especially with guys.

Be yourself. Lead these guys from your unique passion, experience, and personality.

Lay Down One Rule, And Stay Consistent
I’m not a “rules” guy. I like to go with the flow. But, I have one rule that I do not depart from. When someone is talking, every one else shuts up. I don’t know if it’s that most guys are competitive or what, but it seems like guys are particularly prone to talking over their leader and each other. Nothing will extinguish conversation quicker than when someone is talking while other people are talking. From the very beginning, lay down this rule and be consistent in keeping it.

You’ll be surprised who this one simple rule will encourage discussion and mutual respect.

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Andy Blanks is the co-founder of youthministry360 and is a HUGE believer in DNow Weekends and the Small Group leaders who make them so awesome.