Why Do Preteen Small Groups?

I remember years ago wrestling with whether or not to launch a preteen small group.  Back then, our church model of small groups was to meet in somebody’s home.  They were critical for both relationship building and discipleship. At the time (about 12 years ago), I had not heard of anyone leading a group like this for preteens.  So, I wondered if it would even be successful.  We started out with 5-6 preteens meeting in my apartment.  Within a short period of time, it grew to 30-35 preteens meeting at a host home (they had a really big house).  We would meet together for worship and then break up into small groups. It was awesome!  God did so many wonderful things in the lives of preteens & leaders.

Over the years our small group model evolved many times.  We’ve done different types of small groups.  Everything from a Friday night gathering focused more on outreach & relationships to a Sunday night meeting focused on discipleship.  We’ve held small groups at church and host homes.  However you choose to do small groups is second to making the decision to have them.

Some might struggle with whether or not to launch a small group program for preteens.  If that’s you, read on.  There are plenty of benefits.

Why do preteen small groups?

1. Go deeper
Just like small groups allow adults to go deeper with God, they do the same for preteens.  4th-6th graders are at the developmental stage where they want to go deeper.  They want to own their faith in Jesus, learn to hear God’s voice, etc.  Small groups create the environment for preteens to go deeper in their relationship with God.

2. Build strong relationships
Preteens are beginning to place a higher priority on friendships outside of their family.  They are open to new friends.  Small groups allow them to do life together with God in the picture.  It provides them with a safe place to build healthy long lasting relationships.

3. Prayer for one another
Preteens struggle with a lot of issues: bullies, bad home environment, school pressure, etc.  Hearing that prayer is important isn’t enough.  Actually having designated time to give and receive prayer is critical.  We’re often so rushed with running programs, forget to take time to pray for each other. Small groups allow the opportunity for everyone to talk about the issues they’re facing and pray for each others needs.

4.  Wrestle with faith questions
Preteens have a lot of questions about God, Jesus and the Bible.  They need a safe place to ask them. They want to question, explore and discover their faith. It’s more important for them to ask and explore than it is to just be given the answer.  Small groups offer that opportunity.  It’s also important to have leaders who understand and encourage this philosophy.

In a few days, I’ll offer some tips on how to lead a small group.  Before I do, understand there is no one way to do preteen small groups.  There are many ways.  Each church and each preteen ministry is unique.  But there are some things I’ve learned along the way that make doing small groups more successful and effective.  So, check back in a few days for the new post.

Also, if you’re looking to do preteen small groups and need curriculum, let us help.  PreteenMinistry.net has just launched a new small group series: What’s the Bible All About? This 5 week small group series is designed to help preteens become more familiar with the Bible. They’ll dig into this amazing book and learn that the Bible has a lot to say about theIr everyday lives. Learn more now!