How to start an SU Group - Scripture Union Scotland

Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU Groups
Section 3 Resources and Planning for Secondary Groups
All of us who run SU groups find ourselves asking the question “What are we going to do” The next
few pages will help you answer that question. Let’s start at the right place – the young people!
3.1 Know your Group
Think of your group as a community. A group who support and care for each other with a common
purpose. To allow this community to grow we need to invest time to build relationships and
understand each other. This will give you a better chance of having a programme that is appropriate
for your group. Here are some questions to get you started…
Who is in your community
Spend time learning their names, ages, family backgrounds, interests. Chat with them naturally
without making them feeling they are being interrogated. Board games laid out at the start of the
group can really help these informal chats e.g. playing cards, dominoes, connect 4 etc.
What is affecting the community
Think about the size of the group and where it meets. Do people attend regularly What’s happening
outside the group will also affect the dynamics; anything from world events to a favourite teacher
leaving. Sometimes even the weather can have an influence. It is helpful to ask the office staff for a
school calendar so you know what is going on.
Where are they on their faith journey
SU groups don’t always attract Christian young people. For some young people their SU group might
be the closest they have ever got to church. As you get to know them, sensitively find out if they
belong to another faith group, do they have anyone in their family who belongs to a church, what is
their attitude to religious people
What are their needs
Be sensitive to the wide range of educational abilities within the group. Ensure games and activities
do not exclude people with additional support needs e.g. switching on subtitles on a DVD clip for
those with hearing impairment, not forcing anyone to read out loud, creating a culture where no
one is made to look stupid if they don’t understand complicated instructions.
What kind of leader are you
You are an equal part of this community and a powerful influence on the group. SUS has accepted
you as part of its team and your contribution is valued so - be yourself! Authenticity is vital to youth
ministry. Avoid being someone you are not, recognise your own strengths and weaknesses, and lead
your group in ways you are comfortable with. Accept the commitment that leading the group
involves, ensure adequate preparation time, with your team and alone. This includes prayer and
practical planning of what will happen at the group.
3.2 Where are you going
Why are we running this group
This is vital question to answer as you start to plan your programme.
January 2012