Small Peer Groups for Students are an Essential Feature

Small Peer Groups: A Cornerstone of Faith Formation

At the heart of the Head to the Heart (H2H) system is the belief that faith grows best in relationship. That’s why small groups are not an add-on—they’re essential

.Whether your confirmation class has 5 students or 50, the Head to the Heart system flexes to fit. The number of small groups simply depends on your class size.

  • Small class? One or two groups is perfect.

  • Large class? Multiply the groups—each with 4–6 youth and one adult Guide.

No program is too small or too large. What matters most isn’t the size of your class—it’s the strength of your connections.

Let us help you create a structure where every student is known, every adult Guide is supported, and every group grows in faith—together.

A typical small group includes:

  • One adult Guide (ideally a parent)

  • Their child

  • 3–5 classmates

  • Optionally, 1–2 senior high youth serving as Junior Guides to assist the adult Guide, serve as a role model, and help bridge the age/culture gap between the adult Guide and the youth.

This structure keeps things personal, participatory, and powerful. During large group teaching, Guides and the optional Junior Guides sit with their small group ensuring presence, participation, and positive behavior. In small group time, Guides lead discussion, offer care, and help youth apply the lesson by creating projects to share with the larger group.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Large groups have their place—but it’s easy for quieter kids to disappear, for special needs students to be overlooked, and for louder personalities to act out just to be seen. In small groups:

  • Everyone is known and valued

  • Absences are noticed, and follow-ups happen

  • Relationships are formed, and faith is shared

Small groups provide structure, safety, and support. They create the kind of church culture where kids are missed when they’re gone and known when they return.

The Right Size Matters

Thousands of churches have learned this the hard way: a small group must actually be small. The ideal size? Four to six youth per Guide.

More than that—and you're headed for trouble. We often hear, “Our small groups aren’t working.” The culprit? Groups of 10–12 kids. That’s a small classroom, not a small group. Stick with 4–6, and you’ll see the difference.

FAQ’s about Head to the Heart Small Groups

Q: Should small groups be gender-specific?
A: Yes—if you can. Many churches find that separating boys and girls helps eliminate distractions and deepen discussion. That said, you know your group best.

Q: Should we keep groups together year to year?
A: Ideally, yes. Long-term groups grow deeper trust and richer conversation. Adult Guides who stay with their group often become trusted lifelong mentors.

Q: What if a group isn’t getting along?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s what helps:

  • Mix social circles. Grouping best friends may feel safe at first, but it often leads to drama down the road.

  • Create a group covenant. Each year, let youth help shape the rules—confidentiality, kindness, phone use, etc. They’ll take ownership of the values they helped create.

  • Set church friendship expectations. Youth don’t have to be school besties to be church friends. Encourage kindness, connection, and respect—both inside and outside church walls.

Bottom Line

In the Head to the Heart system, small groups aren’t just a format—they’re a ministry. When youth are known, loved, and led by trusted adults (and supported by near-peer mentors), faith has a chance to flourish.

Have questions about launching or leading small groups in your church? We’re here to help!

Let’s build a church where every kid is known by name, and no one walks alone.