Preparing for Your Small Group

If you are checking out this article, you probably have a small group that you need to prepare a Bible lesson for or you are serious about starting a small group to study the Bible. But before we jump into some practical steps, we want to encourage you with three reasons to commit the time and energy it will take to prepare for a Bible study.

Three Reasons to Prepare for Your Small Group Bible Study

1. Teaching others well is important to Jesus

Jesus’ final words on earth to us were a call to teach others about God and His ways (Matthew 28:18-20). Many times, the final words someone speaks are some of the most important things they have to say to us. Jesus cares deeply about his people being taught well. We need to care about that too and prepare well rather than just wing it each week.

2. Preparing well will help you point your group to Jesus

You are not simply helping people learn more Bible facts. It takes effort to understand your group and prepare a study that focuses on their next step toward Jesus. Sometimes people can study the Bible and miss Jesus!

In John 5:39 there was a group of religious people who had LOTS of Bible studies, but they missed the main thing! Jesus told them “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” Preparing a Bible study can help you point your group to Jesus.

3. Preparing will give you time to see the beauty in the Bible

The Bible is filled with amazing things! Look at this prayer in Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” Preparing a Bible study begins with this prayer and a deep dependence on God to open our eyes. You will be blessed personally when you invest the time and attention to study the Bible as the Lord opens your eyes and prepares you to teach God’s wonderful truths!

Make Your Study Learner-Centered

The Apostle Paul used two different words to describe knowledge:

One referred to intellectual knowledge (head knowledge). The other is referred to as experiential knowledge (heart knowledge).

A learner-centered approach to teaching will help you focus on both of these types of knowledge. Not only do we want our students to know the truth, but we also want to make sure they are experiencing the truth in their lives. That often will involve a variety of teaching methods. Experiential knowledge is best gained when we use all parts of our mind and senses to take it in. Research shows that we remember:

10% of what we read (e.g. a book).
20% of what we hear (e.g. a speaker).
30% of what we see (e.g. a poster ad).
40% of what we hear and see (e.g. a T.V. program).
70% of what we say (when we give a talk or are talking).
90% of what we say and do (where we are actively involved in the process).

Learner-centered teaching is where the learner is actively involved and discovers truths they can apply to their lives today and in the future. Now, let’s take a look at how to prepare for your study.

We often plateau at the level of our preparation.

Prepare Your Learner-Centered Study

1. Make a List of Your Student’s Challenges and Questions

What do you think is the next step for your students? Are your students getting the answers to the questions they have?

Our students are not here for us, we are here for them. So, before you plan all the lessons you think your students need to learn, ask them what questions they have or what challenges they are facing. Helping your students learn about these things will motivate them to show up, get involved, and stay engaged.

For example, you may have your heart set on a Bible study that focuses on the life of David but what if they really have questions about LGBTQ and what God thinks? Look for ways to engage your small group in the things your students care about.

Thrive Studies is a great resource that allows you to pick a lesson that might apply to the current needs of your small group. With over 75 topics from which to choose, there will likely be something there that will help answer your student’s questions.

If you are not sure what kind of questions your students have, take some time to get to know them. Ask questions like…

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
What are some things you would like to learn about from the Bible?
What are the greatest issues facing teens today?
If you had five minutes to tell an adult audience anything, what would you say?
What comes to mind for the average teenager when they think about God?

These questions will open doors to your students’ hearts and inform what lessons you should lead. Let your students’ needs be your guide to what you study.

2. Go Through the Lesson Yourself

A few days before your study, go through the whole lesson yourself. Read the passages, answer the questions, and do the assignments. This preparation work will allow you to think about it, learn it yourself, and help you make it more learner-centered. You will need time to collect any materials or resources for your Bible lesson. If you have selected a lesson from Thrive Studies, you can look in the section called the “Idea Box,” where other leaders have shared creative ideas to help with this.

3. Look at the Big Idea and How It Relates to Your Group

Ask yourself, “What is the main point I want the group to learn from this study?” This will help you stay focused and ensure that you do not get too far off track. Find studies with big ideas that match what your students want to learn.

Each of the Thrive Studies lists the big idea in the leader’s guide. Glance through the studies and match your student’s needs to the Thrive big ideas. This will not take long, but it will help you deliver meaningful and relevant conversations to your students every week.

4. Decide What You Want Your Students to Get Out of the Lesson

As a leader, you can suggest a goal for the lesson. Here are some questions that might help:

What do you want your students to KNOW as a result of this Bible lesson?
What do you want your students to EXPERIENCE as a result of this Bible lesson?
What do you want your students to DO as a result of this Bible lesson?

If you can share any personal steps of faith you took during your own study, it may help encourage them in their faith steps. As you prepare to share a goal or application keep in mind the next step for one student may be different than that of another. Lead with grace and support as they each take their own steps of faith.

5. Begin With a Short Learning Activity or Question

You want to get them thinking about the central truth. You might do this through a skit, drawing, or game. Just be creative. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. For example, you might want them to think about how God searches for lost people. Hide a small action figure somewhere and set it off, seeing who can find it first.

Thrive Studies has a starter question or activity for each study and an Idea Box that gives you other creative ideas to spice up your study.

6. Find the Best Time and Place to Meet

Another critical part of your preparation relates to where and when your group will meet. If your group is already meeting, you may want to ask if there is a better time and place. However, this is an area where you can follow the “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” motto. If your group is just starting, then you will want to plan ahead to decide when and where your group will meet. In this case, we suggest picking a spot in which your students would feel comfortable and gives you the ability to have a discussion that might be personal to your group.

7. Take the Lead in Communication

A lack of communication is often the first breakdown of a small group and often the reason students do not show up. About a million distractions will come at your students before the small group meets and you can take the lead to remind them. You might be discouraged at how easy it is for a student to forget about your small group, but remember the enemy of our Savior loves to distract us. Make sure everyone knows when and where you will meet and remember you may have to share this little detail several times.

8. Plan Out the Time Ahead of Time

You want to do your very best to start on time and end on time and guide everything that happens in between. Four out of five times you will run out of time. That is ok. You will still want to end on time. Some students will have other work and responsibilities, and when you do your best to end on time, it tells them you respect and value their time. So how do you organize your time?

Here’s a suggested flow for your 1 to 1.5-hour Bible study:

Refreshments (20 min) – This is a time for unhindered talking, sharing, and settling.
Bring the group together (5 min) – Think of a statement or learning activity to get their attention and introduce the theme.
Bible study (30 min) – Discover the central truth and apply it.
Prayer (10 min) – Pray conversationally if the students are willing.
Conclusion – Make announcements for upcoming meetings and plan any other activities. Give rides home to kids who need them.

This simple plan is an important part of your preparation, but it is only a suggestion. A good guideline for how to organize your time is to answer the question, “What does my group need?” If you spend too much time eating and socializing, you will not have enough time to dig into God’s Word. On the other hand, if you just study and do not allow the students to interact with each other, they may only see the study as an intellectual exercise and not something that applies to their lives right now.

God will be with you every step of the way as you prepare for your Bible study, and God wants you and your students to discover the wonderful things in His word. He wants us to experience a life with Jesus as we take the next steps in our faith. We hope your preparation for Bible study becomes something on which you never want to miss out.

Next Step

Use the steps above when you prepare your next Bible Study. For more training in creating a learning environment Tips for Leading a Better Small Group will provide additional help.

tips for leading a better small group

Sample Outreach Schedule

Mingling and refreshments
Welcome (3 minutes)
Campus ministry overview from the emcee (3 minutes)
Icebreaker: Famous Couples game (10 minutes)
Dating Game (20 to 30 minutes)
Student testimony with a relationship theme (4 minutes)
Relationship talk and gospel presentation (15 to 20 minutes max)
Comment cards (7 minutes)
Announcements (2 minutes)
Refreshments and hanging out (no set time)

The key is intentional planning with a relaxed atmosphere.

Game 1: Famous Couples

Choose an even number of participants and prepare a list of famous couples ahead of time, such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia or Romeo and Juliet. Write each name on a 3×5 card and as students enter, tape the name of one character on their back without letting them see it.

Each student may ask up to three yes or no questions per person to figure out who they are. They must also take turns answering questions when asked. The goal is to discover their identity and find their matching partner as quickly as possible. Continue until everyone is matched.

Game 2: The Dating Game

If you don’t have a lot of couples for this game, you could call it the “Best Friend Test” and have them do best friends instead. However, considering this party is about romantic relationships it is obviously better to have romantic couples playing.

This game is similar to the Best Friend Test you’ve probably seen on TikTok or shows like The Circle, or the old Newlywed game. (If you haven’t seen them, check them out). One person answers questions first, then their partner tries to guess what they said.

One partner leaves the room while the questions are asked. The partners in the room write the answers down. Then they come back, hear the same questions, and try to match their partner’s answers. Each correct match earns a point. The pair with the most points wins a prize.

The questions are light, funny, and all about how well you actually know the other person.

Dating Game Questions

For the girls (guys leave the room):

Which ice cream flavor best describes your relationship right now: Vanilla, Rocky Road, Peaches and Cream, or Tutti Frutti?
On your first date, which animal was he most like: Turtle, Kitten, Tiger, or Octopus?
How long have you been going out?
What is the most sentimental gift he has given you?

For the guys (girls leave the room):

Which Disney character would she say best describes you: Mickey Mouse, The Beast, Goofy, or Winnie the Pooh?
What song is “your song”?
What did you do on your first date?
What is her favorite perfume?
Which Valentine’s gift would she most like: candy, flowers, or a kiss?
What outfit is she wearing right now?

Optional non-gender questions

What is their go-to fast food order?
What song would they put on if they needed a hype boost?
What stresses them out faster than it should?
If they had a free day, how would they spend it?

What is something they are secretly really good at?

While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Relationship Talk

Overview

The relationship talk should be short, clear, and serve as a natural bridge to the gospel. Valentine’s Day provides an easy entry point into the idea that everyone is searching for love and meaningful relationships, yet few of us have good models of what lasting love looks like.

This talk introduces the idea that there is a kind of love that lasts, a love that does not depend on performance or appearance, and that love is found in God.

Introduction

Begin with a funny or embarrassing dating story to lower defenses and help students relate.

The Talk

Relationships take a lot of time and energy, whether with parents, friends, coworkers, or romantic partners. While relationships matter deeply to us, they also expose one of our biggest fears, the fear of not being truly loved.

Psychologists often describe our greatest need as the need to love and be loved. At the same time, our greatest fear is that if people really knew us, they would reject us. Because of this, many of us wear masks and show only what we think others want to see.

Even people who care about us deeply can disappoint or reject us when we do not meet their expectations. That pain leaves us asking what real love actually looks like.

There are three common types of love people experience:

“I love you if…” love, which is conditional on behavior.
“I love you because…” love, which is based on appearance, popularity, or performance.
“I love you, period.” love, which is unconditional and unchanging.

What we truly long for is the third kind of love.

One Who Loves No Matter What

That kind of love exists, and it comes from God. God loves people for who they are, not for how they perform or what they offer. He invites us into a real relationship with Him where His love is constant and secure.

From here, transition clearly into the gospel and explain how students can have a relationship with God and experience His unconditional love.

If you’re not sure how to share the gospel, learn how to HERE

Comment Cards

Use a comment card to collect name, address, phone number, school, and grade. Include simple response options for students who received Christ, want more information, or want to get involved with your campus ministry.

Next Step

Plan your Valentine’s Day outreach early and involve student leaders in every step so more students can experience authentic relationships and hear the gospel in a welcoming environment.

Partnering with Other Ministries to Reach Your Campus

Groups like Cru, Young Life, and FCA each have their own strengths and strategies. Students connect with them for different reasons—it’s not “one size fits all.” We love and respect every group that’s helping students know Jesus. We’re on the same team, not in competition.

Here are a few ministries we often serve alongside:

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – Students gather in “huddles” led by coaches, giving athletes a chance to live out their faith through the sports they love.
Young Life – Leaders invest deeply in relationships, earning the right to be heard before sharing the gospel.
Church Youth Groups – Churches are a vital part of every community. Many youth leaders volunteer at schools or visit during lunch to connect with students. Cru isn’t a church—we partner with local churches to help students get plugged in.
Christian Clubs – Many campuses have Christian Clubs focused on prayer, fellowship, and Bible study. They’re often inward-facing rather than outreach-focused.

Cru’s Approach

We share Christ as soon as we have the chance, then build a network of small group Bible studies. We train students to share their faith—through group outreaches, personal conversations, and larger gatherings.

Why This Matters on Your Campus

When you are starting or growing a ministry, ask, “Who is already here?” Sometimes a group has been serving for years. Sometimes no one is reaching that school yet. Often there is room for more than one group to thrive because no single ministry connects with every student.

If another group is already present, the best move is to connect. Grab coffee with their leader, ask questions, learn what has been working, and listen for their challenges. Your posture matters. Come in as an ally, not a rival.

“We’re not in competition; we’re on the same team.”

Stepping Onto a Campus With Other Ministries

If you launch Cru where another ministry exists, remember these things:

Speak well of them in front of students.
Avoid scheduling conflicts when possible.
Focus on students they are not already reaching.
Be willing to partner for events or outreaches.

The goal is not to win students to your ministry. The goal is to help them grow in Jesus.

How to Start the Conversation

Approaching another leader can feel awkward. Keep it simple:

Ask how their group is doing at that school.
Learn which students they connect with best.
Share your heart for students and where Cru could help.
Look for ways to collaborate rather than compete.

You may be surprised how often these conversations lead to friendship and partnership.

A Simple Way to Explain Cru

When someone asks what Cru is about, you can say:

Cru is a network of student disciples who see their school as a mission field. We help students grow in their faith through small groups, training conferences, and mission opportunities locally and around the world.

When it comes down to it, no single ministry can reach every student—but together, we can make a much greater impact. Each group brings unique strengths, connections, and opportunities to the table. By cheering each other on, looking for ways to partner, and sharing a heart for teenagers to know and follow Jesus, we multiply our effectiveness. When ministries work side by side instead of in separate lanes, schools see more of Christ’s love, more students hear the gospel, and more lives are transformed for eternity.

Next Step

Reach out to a local campus ministry leader this week and start a conversation about partnering together.

Sydney’s Story

From Grief to Purpose: Finding God in the Storm

Growing up in a Christian home, she always knew about Jesus, but her relationship with Him didn’t feel personal until tragedy struck in eighth grade. Transitioning from homeschooling to public school had already pushed her out of her comfort zone, and anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place. Then, during the fall of 2020, both her parents contracted COVID. While her mom recovered, her dad’s condition worsened, leading to months of uncertainty. She vividly remembers the day he left for the hospital and the long, heartbreaking journey that followed. Despite moments of hope, her dad passed away on February 20th, 2021. At just 13 years old, she faced the devastating reality of losing her father—a loss that shook her world and her faith.

In the midst of that grief, she began to see God’s hand at work. During sleepless nights and moments of overwhelming sorrow, God surrounded her with people who cared—friends, family, and a community that embodied His love. Though the pain of loss didn’t disappear, she found comfort in the truth that this life is not the end. Inspired by Paul’s words about eternity, she started to see her father’s passing as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. That hope spurred her to action. On a family mission trip to Thailand, she met students leading Cru groups at their schools, and the seed was planted to start something similar back home. Despite initial uncertainty, God provided resources, opened doors, and brought others alongside her to launch Cru at her school—a ministry that has been thriving for nearly a year now.

"Anxiety loomed as she struggled to find her place."

Her story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Through unimaginable grief, she discovered the depth of God’s love and the strength found in trusting Him. The loss of her dad deepened her desire to share Jesus with others, knowing firsthand how essential His presence is in life’s hardest moments. Cru has given her a platform to do just that—to tell others about the God who redeems brokenness and uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Her journey reminds us that while pain is inevitable, God is sovereign, faithful, and able to bring beauty from ashes.