the road trip::tales of ambassadizing the nation

A lot of churches/youth group do small groups, and are seeing various levels of success with them. One place that we have seen small groups thrive is at Grace Church in Powell. (I've linked to this before, but you can read Mark's insights on small groups here.) Personally, I think one of the reasons that this church has seen such success is the way they started -- it was one group, led by one man with a huge passion and vision. Over the last few years that group reproduced, and eventually started a movement within that youth group and church.

I'm not saying you have to start with only one group and let it 'run its course'. But you should have leaders who are passionate and invested in your groups. If your leaders don't see the purpose, if they don't believe in (or understand) what you are trying to accomplish through your groups, if they don't feel the groups are a priority then neither will your students.

Small groups can be a beautiful way to create community, to do discipleship. But be sure to cast that vision to your leaders.