DO NOT NEGLECT SENDING YOUR TEENAGER TO SMALL GROUPS.
In a world where the spiritual development of teenagers is often at risk, nurturing their faith becomes a paramount concern. The Student Ministry Team at High desert Church recognizes the critical role of small groups for Bible study in shaping the lives of teenagers. In this post I want to share the importance and impact your student will have from attending small groups.
Scriptural Mandate:
Proverbs 22:6 advises parents to “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it”. Small groups serve as a direct means to fulfill this biblical mandate. Small groups provide an environment where teenagers can be taught the ways of the Lord and receive guidance in their faith journey.
Peer Community and Encouragement:
Teenagers often find themselves grappling with peer pressure and a secular culture that challenges their faith. Small groups offer a unique opportunity for them to connect with like-minded peers, share experiences, and encourage one another in their walk with Christ.
Discipleship and Mentorship:
Titus 2:3-5, which calls for older women to mentor younger women and older men to mentor younger men. Discipleship is a fundamental aspect of Christian growth. In small groups, teenagers benefit from the guidance of mentors who can provide spiritual direction, answer questions, and facilitate deep discussions about the Bible and faith.
House to House Teaching:
In The New Testament, early Christian gatherings often took place in homes. This model allows for more intimate and personalized teaching and discipleship, especially when organized by age groups. In Acts 20:20 Luke describes the early Christians engaging in “house to house” teaching. This practice reinforces the importance of gathering as believers and followers of Christ, fostering an atmosphere of learning and community, as well as helping teenagers understand that Christianity is not just a check box on Sunday mornings, but a way of life.
HDC provides designated meeting spaces for students in 7th-12th grades at our Victorville and Hesperia campuses. Meanwhile, Apple Valley students gather in small groups hosted in houses.
Personalized Learning and Accountability:
Small groups are geared around The Word of God. Bible studies create a conducive setting for teenagers to ask questions, engage in open discussions, and receive individualized attention. This personalized approach helps them apply biblical principles to their unique circumstances and hold each other accountable, and to pray for one another. James 5:16 “ 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Building Lifelong Friendships:
1 Timothy 4:12, Paul encourages young believers to set an example for others. Small groups can provide a context for young believers to learn and grow together while setting an example for their Oikos. The bonds formed in these small groups often lead to deep and lasting friendships. These relationships offer ongoing support and encouragement in living out their faith.
Sending your teenager to small groups for Bible study is a wise decision. It fulfills the biblical mandate to train up children in the way of the Lord, provides a community of like-minded peers, fosters spiritual growth, and equips teenagers to navigate the challenges of an increasingly secular world. As a ministry rooted in biblical truth, The Student Ministry Team of High Desert Church strongly encourages parents to consider the vital role small groups play in the spiritual development of their teenagers.