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Having run groups for years in a clinical setting as a licensed counselor, Brendt Blanks knows that many of the characteristics of running a successful discipleship group are quite similar. Yet, there are some that are unique to leading students in meaningful spiritual growth. Here are seven characteristics of running an effective small group.

Andy Blanks outlines the traits of spiritual communities, the kind that enable your students to grow closer to God.

Andy Blanks passes along a few thoughts on how to fight "the fizzle" and keep your small group growing in the right direction.

Andy Blanks passes along some hard-earned tips on what NOT to do as a small group leader

Andy Blanks passes along a great example of a youth minister who has a healthy understanding of programmed-based ministry.

One of the best things about youth ministry is how much there still is to learn. Andy Blanks was recently reminded of three important truths.

Andy Blanks talks about the importance of openness in small groups, and some thoughts on how to help develop it.

ym360 contributor Heather Johnson gives some great tips for keeping students engaged in your small group.

Today's ym360 Blog post is a linked post, where we link to awesome content from the Interwebs. This post, by Justin Knowles, asks what we can learn from Jesus about how to facilitate our small groups.

Flashback Friday is your weekly run-down of the best youth ministry blog posts from across the Internet.