Small group leaders are the unsung heroes of student ministry. Without their hours of service and investment, student ministries would fail at reaching their community.

• They are the ones who ask students tough questions about Jesus. 
• They are the ones who serve on the front lines of student ministry. 
• They are the old-timers who are still game to stay up for a lock-in! 

Their spiritual investment into the lives of the students at your church should not go unnoticed.

Before they lead a small group this week here are three simple ways that you can appreciate all of the work they do.

3 Simple (And Free) Ways To Appreciate Your Small Group Leaders This Week 

Respect Your Small Group Leaders’ Time

Clear and consistent communication is the easiest way to respect your leaders’ busy schedules. Get their lessons, announcements, and reminders to them via email, print, or text in a timely manner. There is nothing worse than waiting on someone to send you the lesson that you want to prepare.

Brag On Your Small Group Leaders To Students’ Parents

As the senior leader of the student ministry, it is your responsibility to create an environment of encouragement. An easy way to be an encourager is to brag about a student’s small group leader the next time you walk by a parent in the hallway. Small group leaders are the connection point between parents and the student ministry. Build this connection and it will build your student ministry. 

Send Your Small Group Leaders A Prayer Message

Spiritual leaders cannot neglect the importance of prayer. Take a few minutes this week to pray for one small group leader. Don’t pray a quick one-liner (“Lord, bless Timmy”). Instead, intentionally pray for your leader’s family, group, work, spiritual journey, and health. I like to send the leader a quick text and let them know that I’m praying for them and ask if they have anything they would like for me to pray about.

Now What? 

What other easy and free ideas do you have to encourage your small group leaders?