1. Don’t have any rules.

You have to set some rules or you’re setting yourself up for disaster. Decide in advance if the kids are allowed to get a drink, go to the restroom, talk without raising their hand, etc. Once you decide, be the Rock of Gibraltar and don’t budge. Here are two good rules for small group time with kids: Raise your hand to talk and respect each other.

2. Be a stiff.

Small group time is a time to loosen that tie and be a kid yourself. Have fun and let the kids know that this is the hi-light of your week.

3. Don’t let all the kids share.

When you ask the kids a question, let it go the whole way around the circle before you cut it off and go to the next question. Give each kid a chance to answer every question.

4. Talk about yourself.

This isn’t your chance to preach to a captive audience of kids! It’s not your chance to tell one story after another about yourself or your kids. You have two ears and one mouth and now is a chance to use them proportionately. Take time to listen.

5. Go real fast.

If you whip through your questions as fast as you can so you can get back to the big group time, you are missing the point. Small group time isn’t a marathon.

6. Don’t give it any thought in advance.

If you try to wing it week after week, you aren’t going to be effective. What if your pastor winged the invitation week after week? Take time to carefully consider what you will say and how you will say it.