Why Small Group Time is Ideal for Leading Kids to Christ

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 NLT)

One of the key components of an effective Kids Ministry is including a small group time with the kids each week. That is why we have intentionally built a small group section into every lesson of our Kids Empowered curriculum. While there are many reasons why small group is an important element for Kids Ministry, today I want to focus on one important aspect: small group time is an ideal setting for leading kids to the Lord.

During small group a few weeks ago, I had the joy of leading two 10-year-old girls to Christ. At the beginning of small group, I simply asked if there was anyone who wanted to put their faith in Jesus. Much to my delight, I saw two little heads nod. We prayed together as a group and then I paired the other kids up to pray, while I spent some time connecting with these girls.

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

As we talked, I learned part of their story and that this was the first time these girls were ever presented with the Gospel, to their recollection. We had a heart-to-heart connection, conversation with tears, and I got their information to follow up with them. All of this would not have been possible in a large group setting. I am resting on the promise that He who started a good work in them will be faithful to complete it!

3 Reasons Why

Let’s look at a few reasons why small group time is an ideal setting for leading kids to the Lord:

1. Clarity: During small group time, kids get the chance to discuss the lesson and ask questions. This is an opportune time for any child interested in salvation to ask questions in an environment that is less intimidating than large group. Never underestimate the learning that can take place from good, solid discussion. It may just be the deciding factor for a child desiring salvation.
2. Correlation: Small group time is a great time to take what you’ve learned and apply it to your life personally, and have discussion on it. In relation to the Gospel, kids can explore together their need for a Savior, evaluate where they are at personally, and hear the Gospel message presented with every lesson. In every lesson we teach, we have an opportunity to tie in the Gospel message and present it to our kids.
3. Connection: Small group time is a great place for relationship building and genuine connection. It’s a perfect time to gauge how the kids are doing, and ask important questions as the Holy Spirit leads you. Small group time is known for its ability to make a large class feel at home in a smaller environment or group. This creates a place for a child to feel safe, secure, and able to make big decisions, like salvation.

Believe it or not, small group time could be the biggest mission field you are ever on. Pray, plan, and prepare small group time like you will be leading the next generation to Christ –because you will be. You never know, you might just be leading the next Billy Graham to Christ!

Let’s be good stewards of sharing the Gospel to all the world, and this includes the “least of these”, the little children. Let’s start right where God has placed us, in Kids Ministry, and watch the amazing results of what He can do with what we give!