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 matter.
Let’s talk about how to extend discipleship beyond small group night — and how small actions can lead to deep spiritual impact.
1. Group Time is the Start — Not the Finish
Think of your small group like planting seeds.
The real growth often happens between meetings — when those seeds are watered with care, prayer, and intentional follow-up.
If all of your investment happens in the group circle, you’re missing the best part: the relationship.
2. Track What Matters (So You Can Follow Up)
You can’t follow up if you can’t remember.
Use a Notes app, journal, or a designated small group notebook to jot down:
- Prayer requests
- Major life events (games, performances, tough days)
- Significant spiritual questions or insights
- Family or personal struggles
- Wins — places you saw God working
This quick habit helps you pray specifically, follow up intentionally, and lead relationally.
3. Follow Up on Prayer and Conversations
Nothing shows students you care like remembering what they said.
- Send a quick text midweek:
“Hey, I was praying for you today — how did that test go?” - Bring it back up next week:
“You mentioned your grandma was sick — any update?” - Keep a group prayer list and use it to close the loop.
This tells your students: You’re not just talk. You care enough to remember.
4. Sometimes Follow-Up Should Go to Parents
Don’t wait until something’s wrong to reach out. Parents need to hear the good stuff too:
- “Your son shared an incredible insight last night.”
- “Your daughter encouraged another student in a really thoughtful way.”
- “I’ve seen so much growth in how your child shows up and shares in group.”
These kinds of messages are gold. Parents don’t always see what’s happening spiritually — but your perspective can affirm and strengthen the partnership between home and church.
5. Use a Variety of Follow-Up Methods
Different students (and situations) need different approaches:
- Text – Simple check-ins or encouragements
- Handwritten Note – Memorable and meaningful
- Phone Call – Especially helpful for serious or sensitive topics
- Coffee / Meal – An investment of time that builds trust and connection
Don’t overthink it — just reach out in a way that fits the moment.
Pro Tip:
Follow-up transforms your group from a weekly program into a spiritual family.
It tells students: What happens in group matters… and you matter even more.
Closing Challenge
This week, take one intentional step of follow-up.
Text a student. Jot down a prayer request. Brag on a teen to their parent. Show up at a game.
Because when students see that your care continues beyond the circle, their walls come down — and discipleship takes root.
I’m Jay Holland — and this has been your 5 Minute Youth Ministry Coach.
Remember, in addition to Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube, you can find each of these episodes at www.youthministry.coach, where you will also find them in blog form if you prefer reading over listening. Have a great day and I’ll talk to you soon.
