Pizza & Side Hugs

EPISODE 4 SHOW NOTES

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1:11 Why is Julia so hydrated? #Trusting&Adjusting 
3:50 Jake got schooled by a high schooler 
5:54 Paul got electrocuted in Bolivia
9:04 Intro to Assigning Small Groups
12:05 Know your teens ... what you should know
17:19 Don't underestimate the power of prayer in the process
18:42 Major Categories for Consideration
26:22 Placing Adult Leaders
36:05 Small Group Shoutouts

Assigning Small Groups - this is where real relatinoships can be fostered!

• Don't take this task lightly! While the Holy Spirit can do the impossible, we can boost the morale and effectiveness of groups with thoughtful placement of participants.

Importance of Knowing Your Teens & Leaders - you can't always know students before placing them in a group, but the better you know them, the better you can place them.

• New kid? You know nothing about them? Call other youth ministers or parents to know them. Talk with the faith formation who had them previously.
• Have a place on the registration form that asks for peers they would like in their group. If the kid is new and doesn't know anyone, have a place to list talents/hobbies and pair them with kids you do know.
• Think about interpersonal conflicts/relationships/drama/weird things...friendships end, people break up...it's madness trying to keep track of it all.
• Know how your kids function - are they fragile flowers (need lots of attention, reassurance, and hand-holding), middle-of-the-roaders, or leaders. Intermingle these three.
• It's okay to make changes to groups if there is a true need for that - but do your best to make it EARLY so there is time to grow together from the start.

Importance of Prayer

• Take your list of names to the chapel, pray about them, wait a few days, plan groups.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit buuuut don't treat him like some powerful guru that will magically solve small groups. 

Major Categories for Consideration

• Split students up according to grade levels (or mix different grades)
• Keep the same gender together (or mixing boys & girls)
• Create using closeknit groups of friends (or separating them)
• Group based on faith level (seeker, disciple, apostle)
• Think about geographical location (regional, subdivision) and put students who live in close proximity that may promote more gatherings outside church walls
• Regularly meeting small groups take much more consideration because they're for a longer period of time
• Try switching groups up for a weekend retreat or a special event- more room for different personalities

Placing Adult Leaders

• Have a conversation with them – ask where their gifts and interest lie
• Pair a new adult with a veteran or an excellent student leader
• Explain that no group is perfect but there i sthe possibility for life-chaning moments through this experience

It will all work out, don't sweat it!

Contact us with any other thoughts and questions - [email protected]