Matt: This week at Saddleback Church we start off student ministry small groups for this school year…and I am excited! I have a new group this year and I see a ton of possibilities with these guys. Here’s how I want to start this year:

1. I have written down a spiritual goal for each of the guys in my group. That’s one of the things I’ll be praying about for each one this year. I want them to pick something they want to work on this year as well.

2. I want to make sure and bond this group super close together so they know that they have friends to go to during troubled times and I want them to pick an accountability partner.

3. I want to make sure that each week my lessons will tie to high school ministry curriculum, but also that I address the specific problem areas that my guys are facing.

4. I want them to know I’m here for them, and that they can count on me. I want to be very intentional with each one of them this year.

5. I’ve dedicated a part of my quiet time every day towards praying for my guys, by name. If you’re not praying for your group you’re missing out on one the best tools you have that can help and support your group.

6. Last one is simple – I want these guys to know that they are loved.

Steven: I love the beginning of small group season. This year will look a little different for my group because we met during the summer, but this year I want to try a few different things for the start of the small group year.

The first is something I’ve done before, but not so close to the beginning of the year. I want to make sure these guys feel like a close-knit group, so we’re going to have a sleepover in our student building, The Refinery. This year we’re doing it only three days after the first night of small group. I’m hoping it will be a fun time and will remind the guys that they are meant to be more than just a small group, but brothers.

This next thing is a little new to our group. I really want to try to focus on intentional family ministry. For us, this means more of a focus on the parents of our small group guys. We’re going to try to set up a beginning of the year meeting with the parents to start off. I already send out a weekly email letting parents know what our group is up to, but I want to put more effort into it this year. I want to actually write some content that will help them partner with us in growing their sons’ faith.

Question: What do you do to make sure your small group year starts off right?