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FAQ's
Is Synago just for large churches?
Any church, large or small, can launch a small group ministry. Since this design is friendship based, a church is not limited by its youth membership base. The only limitation is the number of Christian youth committed to growing in their faith and willing to take on the leading and nurturing of a group of their friends and by the number of adults willing to serve as counselors. Where two or three are gathered together, there can be a small group.
Why don’t we just do Synago on Sunday morning at the church?
For many youth, small groups help break barriers to connecting to the church—barriers caused by unfamiliarity, a negative church experience in the past, or negative stereotypes of church or of Christians. Once a youth has reached high school, it’s awkward for him or her to suddenly start showing up at youth group or Sunday school. With a small group, youth grow close to the other members. Then going to a larger fellowship of youth—such as Sunday school, youth group, retreats, and worship—isn’t so intimidating because they know their friends from the small group are there. Doing announcements in the small group and adding the members to e-mail and mailing lists are ways to continue to invite them to participate in other youth activities and in the congregation.
Is Synago for all of the high school students in our church?
Starting a small group ministry doesn’t mean stopping Sunday school, youth group, or whatever else your church is offering older youth. This new ministry simply adds a different dimension to what is already in place. Synago may not be for all of those who are already active; but some youth will be ready for the greater challenge of leadership, and others will desire the intimacy of a small group. Synago may also reach some older youth who have not had their needs met in existing programs and consequently have stopped coming. These youth may find this format to be more what they need. In addition, Synago may reach new youth. The in-home, small group setting provides a way for youth—especially those who would never darken the door of a church—to connect and grow spiritually. This friendship-based model offers a unique avenue for evangelism and for greater discipleship.
Do we have to do the sessions in order?
There is a flow to the sessions in each book. The early ones intentionally provide opportunities for the members to get to know one another better. The last one gives the group some closure. However, each session stands on its own. New youth will be coming into the group at different points in the life of the group. So, what is more important than the order of the sessions is the “order” of the group—the atmosphere of caring and of learning together. Do the sessions in the order that makes sense to you as the leaders.
Our group has gotten so close. Do we really have to split up?
The first time your group grows to the point that it needs to “multiply” will be challenging. But if a group grows too large, many of the benefits of being small and close-knit are lost. One reason for repeating the Purpose Statement at each meeting is to prepare the group. The leaders’ having a positive attitude and also involving the group in deciding how to divide are crucial to making the multiplying go smoothly. When your group is ready to multiply, have a “birth day” celebration. Check out the article, “Learning How to Multiply.”
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