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Group processes

Different phases of a (youth) group

Group processes ©: S. Hofschlaeger - pixelio

1. The orientation phase

   In this phase, the youths find each other; get to know each other and their opinions. This process usually takes 1-2 days if taken place in free time. In a new youth group, the processes may run for the first couple of weeks.

2. The „fight for power“phase

   The individual opinions are enforced, the place in the group is fought for, it is a „distribution of power“and distribution of roles. The youth leader is now challenged. He must observe and, if necessary, steer away from any problems, so that no few individuals are frozen out of the group, so that there are no winners and losers, so that group does not suffer, so that any strong conflicts are deferred because some are pushed down or even pushed out.

3. Familiarity phase

   After the group leader and group members have asserted themselves and found a place in the group, mutual trust follows. With the motto „we are strong together“the group will be successful and achieve the group’s goals. The youths enjoy coming to the group, enjoy themselves together, a fight for power is no longer necessary, they win or lose together, they enjoy trips together, days out and have adventures.

4. Differentiating phase

   New members are happily taken in; old members who no longer want to take part might stay away. The group targets are important to the youths and not the program itself. Therefore the group as a whole is seen to be very differentiated.

5. Separation phase

   A group is broken up – it happens and is perfectly normal. A group cannot last forever. At some point, the members go their separate ways, maybe due to job or other reasons. A boy’s brigade becomes a boys group or a girls circle, a boys group or girls circle becomes a youth group and then general house groups are formed.

6. New orientation

   The youths should try to find an existing group/fellowship (obviously according to their belief). If all of these phases have been successfully managed and the youths look for a new house group or community when a group is broken up, then the group leader has achieved the group’s goal. In Christian youth work, we offer our assistance and companionship for a few years while the youths make their first steps to finding beliefs. At some point the youths will be able to stand on their own two feet and develop their own beliefs and therefore do not need our help anymore.

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