Often, in student ministry, the feeling is that when big numbers turn out for our events and programs, we are successful. Events, programs, or fun outings are not bad to put on our annual calendars, but do these have a greater purpose or strategy? Are we leading students to become more like Jesus, or are students showing up on Wednesday nights, having an engaging time, and then going home? Ministry should always have a kingdom impact. So, how do we lead the students we have been entrusted with to become more like Jesus?

It’s always a good idea for student ministers and leaders to evaluate the most effective discipleship processes. Students need an effective discipleship process to lead them to spiritual maturity after the salvation experience. This process (or strategy) should align with the church’s discipleship process. This can only strengthen the family unit; parents must be informed, involved, and influential in this process. They are the main disciple-maker of their children.

When evaluating your student discipleship process, I believe you need to consider three areas. Begin with this thought: On graduation Sunday, what do we want a student walking out of our ministry to have gained in the past seven years?

Environments: What will students experience?

What do you want students to experience when they walk into your ministry? A well-balanced approach includes times of relational connection, time in the Word, and environments for students to ask questions. When is your main small group time? If Sunday morning is the best time, great! If Wednesday nights after your mid-week service are the best, that would be great! If a night other than Sunday or Wednesday will attract more students, awesome! Whatever time slot you choose is fine, but make sure you are strategic with your approach and the environments create an authentic community.

Curriculum choice: What are we trying to accomplish in our small groups?

There are many great curriculums out there, but my encouragement would be to use one with a strategic scope and sequence. Do we want students to learn how to study the Bible by walking through books of the Bible? Do we desire students to have a more theological approach and see how the Bible tells one redemptive story? Or do we want to give students a more life-application approach that helps them build a biblical worldview? No matter the starting point, make sure the curriculum you choose is trustworthy, biblically accurate, and accessible. I would also make sure the curriculum includes effective take-home resources (bible reading plans, quiet times, Scripture memory, etc.) for students.

Training leaders: How will we train leaders?

Who will teach the curriculum you choose is just as important as what curriculum you choose to use. Research tells us that students with three caring adults are more likely to have faith that will last. Having specific times to train adult volunteers must be a priority. Ideally, this should take place quarterly. Ask questions such as, “How is your small group going?” “Is there anything you need or would make your time better?” “How can I resource you better?” This creates effective touchpoints and allows you to cast a vision for what you are trying to accomplish.

Evaluating our discipleship strategies is a must for every student ministry. We want our students to have a great six to seven years in middle and high school, but more importantly, we want them to become effective followers of Jesus!

For more information on student small group curriculum options, please visit lifeway.com/reachteens