When I read a label that says "One size fits all" I tend to get a little skeptical. What it usually means is that it doesn't fit anybody exactly right. And even if it did, where did they get the idea that everybody would want to wear the exact same style? We understand that when it comes to clothes, but somewhere along the line we got messed up when it comes to small groups for students.



Small groups are a great idea, but not a new one. I think Jesus' group of disciples may have been the original model. Small groups today typically follow a very different pattern than what Jesus did. Now each member of the group gets a book. The idea is for each person to read the designated chapter on their own then come back the next week to discuss it. Whether the small group is intended for senior citizens or seniors in high school, the same model is used. The "one size fits all" approach comes into play.

But that doesn't generally work for high school guys. They may read the book for two or three weeks, but that's about it. After that, the small group leader spends the first part of the small group time reviewing what each of them should have read, then tries to getting a meaningful discussion going. Right. The model is broke. And why should we be surprised? What other area of our youth ministry is patterned off a method used for adult and senior ministries? We wouldn't consider it with our music or activities, but somehow we got duped into thinking it will work for small group studies.

Take a fresh look at how Jesus did small groups for guys. I've never read where he handed each of the disciples a scroll, assigned them a chapter to read, and asked them to come back a week later so they could discuss it. Instead, he took them on little outings and demonstrated object lessons for them. Think about it. The storm at sea, walking on water, the fig tree, and every time he healed someone or cast out a demon. These were all activities and object lessons Jesus used to teach his small group. The disciples never knew what was coming next.

My wife and I have been applying this principle to our high school small group. We don't hand any of them a book. Instead we give them a little teaser of what we'll be doing and encourage them to come out. Then we go on an outing or do an object lesson that leads right into a spiritual truth and discussion.

Blowing up eggs in a microwave, navigating mine fields with rat traps, prompting pumpkins to puke, and all sorts of other object lessons become tools that keep the guys guessing and coming back for more.

I've put 24 of our favorites in a book. Dangerous Devotions for Guys is designed just for the small group leader. It takes you through everything you need to make small groups exciting and life-changing. This is a way to get through to your students, to connect with them in an effective small group hour.

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to small groups. Let's change the model when it comes to high school guys. It's time to give your youth group something tailor made for them. That's what Jesus did, and his small group changed the world.

About the Author: Tim Shoemaker is the author of seven books and speaks around the country to men's and parents groups about living the Christian life in a way that impacts the next generation. He leads workshops teaching parents how to lead effective family devotions, especially when the kids get older. He also teaches children's ministry and youth workers how to hold kids attention during devotionals. His workshops are "how-to", "hands-on", and powerfully equip and encourage. Happily married for over 28 years, Tim has three grown sons and is active in church leadership.