Leading a youth ministry is like being the coach of a spiritual all-star team. Sure, you’ve got the playbook (it’s called the Bible, folks), but getting your small group leaders to step up their game and grow deeper spiritually can sometimes feel like herding caffeinated squirrels. Fear not, fearless youth worker! Below are some creative and slightly humorous ways to help your team grow in depth and efficiency. It’s time to turn “Okay” small group leaders into spiritual MVPs.
1. The Triple Dip of Discipleship
To pour into others, leaders need their own cups overflowing (and no, not with coffee or Mt. Dew—although that helps). Encourage your small group leaders to balance three types of relationships:
- Upward (connecting with God for personal growth).
- Outward (pouring into their students).
- Sideways (having peers who can challenge and support them spiritually).
Set the challenge to reflect on where their “triple dip” might be lacking and plug the holes!
Practical Twist: Host a coffee date competition where leaders take another person out—whether it’s a mentor or another leader—just to reflect, pray, or connect.
2. Put the Oxygen Mask On First
Ever flown on an airplane? (If not, what a youth ministry budget you must have!) Flight attendants famously say, “Put your oxygen mask on first” to parents. The same is true for ministry leaders. They need to feed their soul before they can serve others. Think of their spiritual depth like Wi-Fi—you can’t stream wisdom unless the connection’s strong!
Pro tip: Gift your leaders devotionals or audiobooks. Better yet, start a “Soul Refreshment Subscription Box” with snacks (holy trail mix, anyone?) and spiritual goodies.
3. Bible Bootcamp (But Make It Fun)
Practice might not make perfect, but it sure builds confidence. Some leaders feel like they need a seminary degree to break down Bible passages for students. Change that mindset! Host a collaborative Bible study workshop—or as I like to call it, Bible Bootcamp. Pair “veterans” with “rookies” to tackle tough questions together and practice leading mini-lessons.
Funny Option: Turn their practice sessions into a fun competition where they creatively teach using pop culture references. Want an example? “Parable of the Lost Sheep… but Taylor Swift edition.”
4. Prayer Crash Course (Less Awkward, More Awesome)
Be honest—half your small group leaders pray like they’re putting together IKEA furniture. Help them crush those “umms” and “likes” in their prayers! Teach them to pray boldly and authentically for their students without relying on generic phrases.
Interactive Idea: Run a workshop called Pray It Like You Mean It! Mix in humor by creating mock “bad prayers” they have to fix, like “God bless this pizza and all the calories it’s giving me.”
5. Create “Holy Huddles”
Life as a small group leader can feel lonely, especially when trying to invest in students week after week. Make sure they have their own tiny “holy huddle” where they can vent, celebrate wins, and pray for each other. Think group therapy, but make it Jesus-focused (and snacks are non-negotiable).
Call to Action: Institute once-a-month leader nights. It could be a pizza-and-prayer night or a mini-retreat stocked with icebreakers like “Guess That Bible Story Meme.”
6. Spiritual Goal Setting (It’s Vision Board Time!)
Encourage your leaders to write down one spiritual goal for the semester. Whether it’s reading a certain book of the Bible, attending a conference, or sharing their own salvation story with their group, having a goal gives purpose. This goal can also be about their small group and where they want to take their group in the future.
Creative Boost: Hand out mini frames and supplies so they can make a “vision board” for their spiritual leadership. Yes, glitter is allowed, but use with discretion.
7. Teach the Art of Listening (Seriously, Stop Talking)
Small groups are, ironically, about small conversations, not epic sermons. Train your leaders to ask questions instead of giving speeches. Also, teach them how to spot the kid in the group who really does need encouragement but is hiding behind their hoodie. Challenge them to count to 20 in their head after each question so they are not answering their own questions.
Funny Training: Do role-playing scenarios where they have to act as “over-talking leaders” versus “good listeners” (bonus points for the most over-the-top chatterbox impression).
8. Encourage “Sabbath Mode”
Some leaders are running on fumes because they’ve stretched themselves too thin. Teach them that rest is not laziness—it’s God’s design. Help them carve out time each week to recharge their spiritual batteries even if that means stepping away from being a small group leader for a season. Switch up your summer calendar to program something different to give your leaders a break without stopping the whole ministry (we do “after parties” in the summer).
Practical Challenge: Have a contest called “Sabbath Bingo,” where they track restful activities like taking a prayer walk, journaling, or saying “no” to one unnecessary extra task.
9. Public Praise = Private Wins
Nothing motivates people like a bit of recognition. A simple “You crushed it leading that group!” can go a long way. Use your youth ministry social media or group chats to shout out leaders who excel each week—reward consistency, creativity, or even quirky fun moments that their students bring up.
Example: “Shout out to Leader Dave for teaching his group about the disciples… while wearing a fisherman’s hat and waders.”
10. The Power of Teamwork (Ditch the Lone Wolf Mentality)
If your group leaders feel unsupported, they’re more likely to burn out. Make sure they know you’re in these trenches together. Highlight the power of team leading, especially leaning on each other when things get tough—or when the same student asks, for the millionth time, if their dog is in heaven.
Practical Takeaway: Assign “coaches” for your smaller leaders—veterans who can mentor them weekly or monthly to pick up the slack when needed. Bonus? They may also get Starbucks as a “thank you.”
The Bottom Line
Investing in your small group leaders isn’t just extra work for you—it’s equipping the entire ministry. By strengthening their spiritual depth, you’ll watch them transform into stronger, wiser, and definitely more caffeinated leaders who impact students’ lives in powerful ways.
Besides, once they’re thriving, you might actually have time to fix the youth room lights that have been flickering for six months. Win-win!
