What to Do When You Don’t Know the Answer
https://youtu.be/DlVG47wZn-c By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Whether it’s a tricky Bible issue, a hard theological tension, or a deep personal question you’re not sure how to handle — you don’t have to panic.You just need to stay humble, stay curious, and keep pointing to the character of God. Let’s walk through […]
When Your Group Doesn’t Talk
https://youtu.be/zpnNte6z_LA By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Whether you’ve got a group that’s always quiet, or your usually chatty crew is suddenly flat — let’s talk about how to respond well and keep your group healthy. 1. Don’t Panic — It’s Normal Especially early in the year — or with younger or […]
Following Up After Group
https://youtu.be/0LXVUb3O9zc By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Discipleship doesn’t end when the small group circle breaks up.Some of your most powerful ministry moments won’t happen in group — they’ll happen after. When you follow up with a student during the week, you send a strong message:You were heard. You are seen. You […]
Building Community
https://youtu.be/Nb0SbNKJJdA By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor What makes students stick with your group?It’s probably not your flawless theology or the brilliance of your discussion questions. More often than not, students stay for community — not curriculum. That’s why if you want real discipleship to happen, you have to build a group […]
Redirecting an Inappropriate Conversation
https://youtu.be/j9wW17iFc70 By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor You’ve probably been there… Your group is flowing. A student shares something. Then another adds on.Suddenly, the conversation takes a left turn. Someone cracks a crude joke.Another starts gossiping about someone who’s not there.Or a student opens up with something way too personal for the […]
Coaxing the Quiet Kid in Your Small Group
https://youtu.be/3xUwAIqk8lU By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor If you’ve led a youth small group for more than 15 minutes, you’ve probably encountered the quiet kid. They sit in group.They listen.They rarely speak. And if you’re a well-meaning leader, your internal alarm might start going off: “Are they okay?”“Are they checked out?”“Should I […]
Managing the Dominant Talker in Your Small Group
https://youtu.be/041xmAuXK9g?feature=shared By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Every small group has one.That student who’s eager, passionate, and just… won’t stop talking. They mean well. But their enthusiasm can make it hard for anyone else to share — especially quieter students who need a little more space. Your job isn’t to silence strong […]
Asking Great Questions: The Secret to a Great Small Group
https://youtu.be/TW8y8b_6kOA?feature=shared By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor You don’t have to be the best teacher in the room.You don’t have to have all the answers. But if you want your students to grow — you do need to ask the right questions. In small group ministry, great questions unlock conversation, connection, and […]
The 70/30 Rule for Small Groups: Talk Less, Lead Better
https://youtu.be/zdp7kSvHQjs?feature=shared By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Ever walked away from your small group wondering, “Did I talk too much?” You’re not alone. As leaders, we care deeply about Scripture and want students to understand it. But sometimes, in our passion to teach, we accidentally dominate what should be a conversation. That’s […]
Connect, Process, Commit: The Purpose of Small Groups
https://youtu.be/Ef77F3ZQB6s?feature=shared By Jay Holland – Student and Family Ministries Pastor Small groups are more than a discussion circle.They’re more than a hangout with questions and snacks. A well-led small group is one of the most strategic tools for discipleship in youth ministry. But if we don’t understand the why behind small groups, we’ll drift into […]
