Why do girls need "girl time" apart from the guys? Do girls have needs not met in a coed forum? Teenage girls are constantly bombarded with issues different than the opposite sex. Friendships, dating, hormones, and self-esteem are a few topics better taught behind closed doors with a trusted female mentor.
Here are some ideas on how to establish a small group for girls only.
Set a time
Establishing a convenient time for everyone may be difficult. Wednesday night after your regular youth meeting or Sunday evenings may be the easiest time to work around extra curricular activities. Meeting only twice a month may also be a good way to begin. Solicit ideas from parents and consider their opinions. Limit the meeting time to an hour or other reasonable length, and then dismiss the girls on time. These practices will go a long way toward fostering support from busy parents.
Create an atmosphere for learning
Opening up your home is a great way to help girls get to know you on your own turf. Help them feel at home when they are with you. Allow them to observe you with your family. This lets them see you on a different plane than they would at worship services or Sunday school. Snacks also help create a relaxed atmosphere for discussion and learning.
Develop a discipleship plan
Ask the girls about areas of spiritual growth that interest them. They will appreciate that you don't assume what they need to know. If you have a particularly quiet bunch of girls, help them share their thoughts using more general questions, such as: "Are you interested in learning more about friendships and helping others, or would you like to learn more about a character in the Bible?" Questions like this will give you a good idea of where to begin.
Also, take note of where the girls are spiritually. Are some of them new Christians? How would you say they are growing in their spiritual walks? This information will help you choose the right study materials.
Disciple Now is a weekend spiritual retreat program for students. See if it's right for your group.
Give them something to look forward to
Be sure and plan outside activities beyond your normal meeting times. Your relationships with the girls - and their relationships with one another - build the foundation of a successful, strong small group. Plan an adventure for the end of the school year. Go on a shopping trip or plan a discipleship weekend somewhere away from your hometown. Surprise them with a secret day you have conjured up, and you will be well on your way to creating lasting memories!
Do some hands-on ministry
Provide ministry opportunities to take your group beyond a discipleship focus. Make gift baskets for the widows in your church or community and deliver them to their homes. Plan a craft for the holidays or bake something special. Surprise some women in your church by giving them potted flowers.
Girls today are ready and eager for someone to show interest in their lives. Having a female mentor is an invaluable asset in the life of a growing teenage girl and helps to shape her for the future that God has for her. With these tips you can begin providing a rewarding and fun-filled girls-only space in your church.