How to start an SU Group - Scripture Union Scotland

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Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU Groups Section 8 Mentoring and Developing Pupil Leaders 8.1 Introduction In running an SU group we will often look out for others to join the team of leaders. In a secondary SU group this might be pupils and in a primary SU group we might be aware of senior pupils locally who could come and be a part of the work. We must remember at the outset that it is an exciting privilege to be involved in the life of a young person when we can be used by God in their mentoring and discipleship. 8.2 More than Finding a Leader… Growing pupil leaders is something that will require an investment of time but it need not be hours and hours out of our week. What will make the difference is when we have an interest in the young person as an individual and as a Christian who is in the process of understanding more about their faith and how it is lived out amongst their family and peers. It is right that we help the pupils develop their skills in area like leading a quiz or giving a short talk from the Bible but we should not overlook their Christian character and walk with God. This could mean, where appropriate, spending time over a coffee exploring areas such as: Where are the places that they are in fellowship with other Christians What are they reading in the Bible at the moment What are they praying about and where have they seen prayer being answered How are they living out their Christian life in situations away from the SU group and church Take time to talk to your church leader / youth worker or staff member about how you might develop this. SU Scotland’s COmMISSION programme has training and discipleship events for S4-6 pupils throughout the year. These events not only equip pupils but also help them to meet other pupils in the same situation as them. Key Question – What is more important to you… getting someone to do jobs in the group or taking the time to help a young Christian grow in their faith 8.3 Identifying Pupil Leaders Who might be the young people you could mentor as pupil leaders You are not looking for young people who are ‘finished articles’. Instead you should be on the lookout for those who show evidence of Christian faith, a love for Christ and gifts and skills, even if they have yet to recognise these themselves. Growing young leaders does not happen overnight – it is an on-going project. Young leaders might be grown from those currently in your group or perhaps there are others who have yet to identify with the group that you could purposely invite. 8.4 Helping Pupil Leaders January 2012
Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU Groups 8.4.1 Getting Started It is important to chat through with the pupil why you are asking them to formally be a part of the running of the group. This could include: The gifts and experiences the pupil has – where do they feel gifted and what have you recognised in them, even in a small way They will have your support and encouragement The opportunity that they have to positively influence other members of the group by their example Being given responsibilities that it is important they take seriously 8.4.2 Planning Talk together about the overall vision for the group and how this is going to be worked out for the term / year. This will mean doing planning ahead of time and not leaving it to the night before! It is important that we model good leadership and this includes planning. What does good planning look like Knowing the programme from week to week Knowing the different elements in each week’s programme (e.g. game, quiz, Bible talk) Specific task(s) being delegated to the pupil Your expectations of the task(s) including resources and time available The pupil understands what is being asked of them Checking if there is a need for some training for this task (e.g. if they are going to share their testimony how do they speak clearly and what is it appropriate to include) Your availability if they need to come back to you about the task(s) Make sure that you don’t throw your young people in at the deep end without a life belt! Key Question – Does the way you plan the SU group help or hinder the pupil in what you are asking them to do 8.4.3 Feedback After the task(s) has been carried out, take time to give constructive feedback to the pupil. A good model for this can be two things that went well and one thing to improve on next time. It is important to make sure that the pupil is encouraged but also that they are helped to develop their skills. Is there a place that the pupil could also use this developing skill (e.g. church youth group) Key Question – When have you experienced good feedback that has helped you grow in your skills and be encouraged 8.5 Conclusion It is important to remember that as we encourage pupil leaders in their on-going and long term discipleship, we also need to be intentional about our own on-going and long term discipleship. We need to keep on being learners as well. Key Question – In what ways are you being intentional about your own on-going discipleship January 2012
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How to start an SU Group - Scripture Union Scotland

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