Video Transcript: Lesson 6 Section 4

Leading a small group of students towards spiritual maturity takes intentionality, time, and  most importantly, the development of trust. We know how important trust is in the healthy  emotional and social development of teens. And in the area of faith development, we can use  the word trust to help us remember five ways to lead effective small groups. Each of the five  letters in the word Trust stands for value that should characterize how we lead a small group.  These work together, but are not in any particular order of importance. truth spoken in love is  the first value. This is essential in laying a foundation for open and honest conversation in  your small group. As your students get to know one another, they should feel that they can be truthful with one another and with you without negative consequences. But you will need to  be intentional about making this a value for your group and showing them how to do it well.  The truth can hurt if not spoken in love and at the right time. We must be careful to make  sure our tone and the environment allow for the message of truth to be received in love. Truth should not be communicated in a harsh or accusatory way. It should also not be revealed in a  way that is embarrassing or dishonouring. to the student. Speaking the truth in love requires  both honestly telling the student the truth of a situation and communicating it in an  atmosphere of care and concern. The student should have no doubt that you're speaking up  because you care about them and want to see the best for their life. Respect is the second  value that should be cultivated in your small group. Respect is not just something the  students give you as the authority figure. It's also something they need to show each other  and that you as the leader should demonstrate towards the students. Mutual respect is what  should define your small group. Here are a few ways to develop mutual respect. First, listen  carefully without jumping to conclusions. It's important that students know you care and  understand their problems before you suggest solutions. Next, care for the whole person.  Each student will come to small group with things on their mind, challenges they face and  situations you may not be aware of. Don't overlook signs of emotional distress, and encourage them to share honestly with a group what they're thinking about. Finally, protect the youth in  your group and seek to create a safe space. No one should be made fun of or criticized by any other member, lead the way in showing care and concern and correcting the group dynamic  as needed. As all members of a small group experience mutual respect, the result will be  greater openness and vulnerability. Understanding is the third value. It is important that your  students try to understand each other if they are to grow together in spiritual maturity. Faith  develops in the context of healthy relationships, and relationships require that we know each  other well. An author once said, seek to understand before you want to be understood. You  must lead the way in setting this example for your small group. Get to know each student  personally. What is their story, their family background, their dreams? What challenges are  they currently facing? Learning about each other will help bond your small group and show its spiritual needs more clearly. Remember, you must first create a safe space before you can  expect a student to trust you with this important information about themselves. Be willing to  go at their pace and don't demand more than they want to share. Trust may develop slowly  for some and quicker for others. serving each other is the fourth value that should define your small group. The radical teachings of Jesus and His example in this area is something that  sets Christianity apart from every other religion. In Mark chapter 10, Jesus explains that the  Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. As followers of Jesus. We imitate Christ's  example by serving each other and those outside the church as well. We don't just help the  people we like. But even the people we might not get along with. A small group is an excellent place to build this value in the lives of your students. Not only should you talk about its  importance, but you should take action together. Here are a few ideas for how your small  group can learn to serve. identify a need in the group or community and brainstorm ways  your small group could help. Have your students think of ideas that match their gifts and  talents, as well as ways they can help that might feel difficult for them. Service should not be  about just doing what is easy. Pair students as prayer partners, and have them actively share  their needs with each other and pray over them. This will help develop compassion and  understanding, as well as show students that prayer is powerful. Be sure to celebrate  answered prayers with the whole group. Finally, create opportunities for your students to  serve in secret. For example, students could write encouraging notes anonymously, or arrive 

early to help set up without telling anyone else. This is a good chance to show that helping  one another is rewarding, even if you don't receive recognition for it. The last value for small  group leadership is taking it further, we should always be challenging one another to spiritual  growth. Again, this should be done in a loving way, not by criticizing or judging. You will know  that your group has developed trust in the way they communicate with one another.  Encourage each other towards greater spiritual maturity and leading the way by example  should be the ultimate goal of any small group. Make time during your small group meetings  to plan practical ways to take action during the week. Be intentional as a leader to think about how the group needs to grow and initiate a discussion that guide the students to recognize  this need. Design a challenge or come up with one together that will enable the students to  put into practice what they're learning. activity should require effort, time and even an  element of risk or discomfort. These assignments shouldn't feel like homework, but rather a  spiritual exercise and chance to grow. You could even have the group members tell you what  they want to do or come up with ideas for each other. Communicate that it is not about  succeeding or failing, and that there is love and grace regardless of the results. The student  should feel comfortable coming back to the group and sharing their real experiences. If  possible, you as the leader should also do the challenge alongside your students. Developing  these five values in your small group will ensure it is a place where students feel safe and can positively engage and grow spiritually. Remember, trust can be built and it can also be lost.  Use these guidelines to continuously cultivate an environment where the Holy Spirit can work  in the lives of your student.