Group dynamics depend on open communication and active participation. People will voice their opinions and ask questions that do not reflect the same level of understanding that you have. Respect those people and their perspectives. Having a respectful attitude toward other people inspires participation and builds trust. Every community must begin with a solid foundation of trust.
Having trust requires a level of comfort that allows one to be vulnerable. Trust is like oil in the machine; it ensures that everything runs smoothly. This was something that one of our other girls once said. In the beginning, as a group, we would take the time to verbalize the fact that we trusted each other. This was done several times. Because we were confident that the information wouldn't leave the group, we don't bother to remind ourselves on a regular basis that you shouldn't be afraid to share information within the confines of our group.
Trust has, without a doubt, been solidly established by this point in time. However, increasing members' level of trust in one another is crucial for any group. Participation is essential to the success of small groups. This requires a commitment not only to the goals you have set for yourself, but also to the attendance of both you and your students, as well as a commitment to maintaining compliance with the requirements of the curriculum.
If trust is the cornerstone of small groups, then commitment is the mortar that holds them together. Your group's growth is directly proportional to the quality of the communication practices that are implemented during the week. Prayer requests, praises, and any other information the girls in my group feel compelled to share with me are regularly communicated to me by those girls. We accomplish this by communicating via phone calls, emails, and text messages.
You have a significant amount of influence as a leader, and you can use it to keep the lines of communication open throughout the week.