great small group leaders...

Strong student ministries are made up of many great small group leaders investing in the lives of teenagers. I know that is not what grabs our attention but it's the heart of any student ministry that is making a difference. I also know that every student pastor wants to add 10 more great volunteers to their team. Most of our volunteers in the student ministry I lead serve as small groups leaders and that has enable us to have many youth pastors on our team instead of just having 2 leaders in charge. Great small group leaders make it possible to give every teen a mentor and encourager. Tonight we celebrated with our small group leaders and I was reminded what makes a great small group leader great. Here are a few things great small group leaders do...

1. Great small group leaders listen as much as they talk.
2. Great small group leaders help reach new teens.
3. Great small group leaders don't give up.
4. Great small group leaders ask for help when they are not sure what to do.
5. Great small group leaders show up consistently.
6. Great small group leaders connect relationally.
7. Great small group leaders point teens to Jesus and God's Word...not just their opinion.
8. Great small group leaders set healthy boundaries.
9. Great small group leaders help teens take their next step in following Jesus.
10. Great small group leaders laugh often and trust God when nothing seems to be working.

I'm thankful our student ministry is built around many people who love teens and not just any one staff member. Student ministry is meant to be about a team not a personality. Thanks to every small group leader out there going for it. What you do matters!