Not all students are created equal. While I agree with the mantra of public education that "every student can learn" The readiness (ability & willingness) of students varies. Have you seen the following students in your class or small group?
Circumstantial Guests – These are the kids who may get stuck in a class because their family is visiting Grandma’s church and the parents are in the sanctuary. You may never see them again but you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impress upon on them God’s love.
Curious Observers – These are the students who have heard all the promotion about classes starting and they will try it 3 or 4 weeks, if they perceive there is value they will continue. If you don’t capture their hearts in that time frame, it will simply go into the archives as an opportunity missed.
Consistent Participants – These are the students who perceive there is value to the group, but they don’t feel like they have anything of value to contribute. You will do well to cautiously draw them out by asking non-threatening questions directly of them or assigning them tasks that have low-risk. (For kids this could mean handing out the Bibles or delivering the attendance sheet to the office or collecting the crayons after the project. For adults it could be providing refreshments or arriving 10 minutes early to run the vacuum or arrange chairs or prepare a sign-up sheet). Extra caution must be used when you ask these individuals to pray or read out loud or you could lose them altogether!
Committed Core – These are the students who make your group a priority—their week just doesn’t seem complete if they miss your group. Often they will be eager to accelerate the group by suggesting meeting more frequently or asking for extra assignments between sessions. One key to leading this type of student is in establishing a manageable pace. Yes, they must be challenged but you must guard that the person does not exchange spiritual passion for legalistic performance. Some will appear committed to your class/group but their first motivation is meeting their emotional need for attention. Your goal is to keep them focused on the Savior.
What have you found to be effective methods of moving people from one level to the next?
