Info

FourFiveSix.org: Great Ideas for your Preteen Ministry

Looking for great (game, object lessons, worship, volunteer celebration, etc. etc.) ideas to take your preteen ministry to the next level? This podcast is created and curated by FourFiveSix.org, a community of leading voices in preteen ministry. Our goal is simple: a short (4,5, or 6 minute) podcast a few times a week (4, 5, or 6 times) that gives you a quick, easy, free idea that you can use in your preteen ministry THIS WEEK. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Want to get more great ideas right now? Come join the community of preteen leaders at fourfivesix.org
RSS Feed
FourFiveSix.org: Great Ideas for your Preteen Ministry
2023
October
August
July
June
May
April
January


2022
December
November
October


2021
April
March
February
January


2020
October
September
May
March
February
January


2019
November
October
September
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
November
October
September
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
May
April
March
February
January


2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March


All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: Page 15
Oct 23, 2015

Yesterday, we talked about 3 conversations you can have in your preteen ministry to help create a safe space where preteens feel compelled to freely worship through singing.

Today, Sean gives 3 practical tips for how you can create a culture of worship in your preteen ministry:

  1. Create a worship space
  2. Teach about worship
  3. Alter the number of worship songs and their placement in your service

By the way, here's a quote from Martin Luther: "A person who...does not regard [music] as a marvelous creation of God, must be a clodhopper indeed and does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and the grunting of hogs."

Well, that's putting it bluntly.  Haha.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 22, 2015

Over time, you CAN create a safe space where preteens feel compelled to freely worship through singing. Do you think 1 Chronicles 16:23 (“sing to the LORD, all the earth”) is just a suggestion? Worship is central to the tenants of the Bible – worship should be a central theme for our preteen ministries. And God’s heart is to hear us worship in SONG:

“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” –Psalm 47:6

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about some conversations that you can have to help move your group toward being a group that worships. By having many small conversations, over time, you can create a culture of worship.

Affirm the people that ARE worshipping.

With your leaders, discuss the importance of setting an example of worshipping

ASK people that aren’t worshipping to explain why they aren’t

What are your biggest challenges to creating a culture of worship? Let us know in the comment section below!

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 21, 2015

Robert Quinn, from preteenministry.net, joins us on the podcast today to talk about Worship Stations, a concept that looks at worship beyond singing. Robert has written more about this concept, and you can read that here.

This idea falls in line with the concept of Giving Choices, one of the six ways we’ve found to Let Go of the Bike.

Have you ever tried worship stations? Tell us about your experience in the comment section.

Are you receiving our weekly newsletter? You should. J In it, you’ll receive free ideas, resources, encouragement, and even exclusive offers for upcoming events and resources.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 20, 2015

Last time, we talked about a way to select songs for your preteen ministry. Today, we talk about taking songs that would be “good” for your preteen ministry, and making them songs that are “GREAT” for your preteen ministry.

Sean gives four tips to altering songs so that they resonate strongly in your preteen ministry:

  1. Change the words
  2. Simplify the structure
  3. Change the tempo
  4. Add in ENGAGEMENT

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 17, 2015

Last time, we talked about introducing new songs to the preteens, but what songs resonate with preteens? Just because we like a song (or a preteen likes a song), does that mean it will make a good worship song?

Today on the podcast, Sean uses the acronym B.U.R.P.E. to give five tips for choosing songs that your preteens will sing.

The song “All to Him” is by Desperation Band.

The song “Anchor” is by Revolution Worship.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 15, 2015

Have you ever fallen in love with a song, and thought it would be GREAT for your preteens, but when you introduce it, it falls flat?

If so, then today’s podcast is for you. We talk about why that might have happened, and some ideas of how you can have greater success the next time you introduce a new song to your preteens.

Mentioned in today’s podcast is a podcast we recorded a few weeks ago about having a live band. Check that one out – we hope it challenges and blesses you!

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 14, 2015

If you have discipline/behavioral issues with the preteens in your ministry, you may find a solution in an unexpected place – by changing the seating arrangement.

Do you preteens sit on the floor? In chairs? Couches? Beanbags? Maybe it’s time for a change. Sometimes, just a couple of minor alterations in your seating arrangement can make a HUGE difference in the behavior of your preteens. In today’s podcast, Sean shares some ideas about seating arrangements to get your creative juices flowing.

And NOW….some announcements:

How do you structure your services? Share your ideas and get some ideas HERE.

Retreat 2 ADVANCE is coming up in November. Don’t miss it!

Our FREE Webinar with Patrick Snow from SuperStart! is October 20th. Don’t miss it!

Space Tours is HAPPENIN’! Get all the details and join us for the next one, which is coming soon.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 13, 2015

You have a mission statement? WONDERFUL. But do you preteens know it? Do they know why your ministry exists and why they are coming each week? Today, Sean shares how Elevate Preteen Ministry communicates their mission statement with the preteens in their ministry…to the point where the preteens are saying it back to the leaders, and even, on their own, creating artwork (like the one pictured above) that communicates the mission statement.

You don’t have a mission statement? We can help you with that! Come join us for Retreat 2 ADVANCE – This is a small retreat in November where we will share ideas, and most importantly, go through a process to refine our Driving Purpose and how to best communicate that to parents, staff, kids, etc.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 9, 2015

Today Sean shares the third of three different service formats (Delivery Methods) that he uses in his preteen ministry. Here’s a basic outline of the “InLight” Service Format:

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 9, 2015

Today Sean will share the second of three different service formats (Delivery Methods) that he uses in his preteen ministry. Here’s a basic outline of the “StepUp” Service Format:

  • 8:45 – Pre-Service Connection Time
  • 9:10 – Introductions and Instructions (overview of what StepUp! Is)
  • 9:13 – M.A.P. (Me, Affect, Prayer)
  • 9:23 – Worship
  • 9:25 – Transition to Adventures…Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3
  • 9:55 – Transition everybody together and recap today’s adventures
  • 10:00 – Prayer Time (Taking prayer requests and praying together)
  • 10:12 – Announcements
  • 10:15 – Dismiss (Hugs, Handshakes, and High Fives)

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 7, 2015

Today Sean will share the first of three different service formats (Delivery Methods) that he uses in his preteen ministry. Here’s a basic outline of the “Reveal” Service Format:

6:30 – Pre-Service Connection Time

7:00 – Countdown and Gather

7:03 – Upbeat Song/Dance/Activity

7:06 – Announcements

7:10 – The Mystery Game

7:17 – Lesson Set-Up

7:23 – First Small Group Time

7:33 – God is Here Video

7:34 – Scripture Reading and “Know God, Show God” Window

7:37 – Song that tells God we are opening our hearts to knowing Him more

7:41 – “Lesson”

8:03 – Response Piece

8:08 – Response Worship Song

8:11 – Reveal Window

8:15 – 2nd Small Group Time

8:26 – Closing Upbeat Song and Thought

8:30 – Dismiss (Hugs, Handshakes, and High Fives)

 

Please share your typical schedule with us in the comment section below. What is your delivery method?

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 6, 2015

One of the best ways to learn how to do preteen ministry better is by seeing what others are doing. We are all figuring this thing out – so why not figure it out together?

On today’s podcast, Sean talks about some tips and tools when it comes to learning from others.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 2, 2015

Your preteens want to be treasured, and valued.

The good news: If they are a child of God, then they are valued!

The bad news: Many of your preteens think they are valued based on how much of a rock star they are.

Enter “ROCKSTAR NIGHT”. This idea for a service was so much fun, and so powerful! Rock Star Night can help the preteens in your group to understand their true identity, and why they are treasured.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Oct 1, 2015

Today’s great idea is a little different, because today’s great idea is actually a challenge for you creative preteen ministry leaders:

Think of something creative and meaningful to do with PUMPKINS at the beginning of November, and plan for it right now.

On the podcast, Sean shares what they did last year on “Bring Us Your Pumpkins” Sunday, and challenges everybody to think of a great idea involving all the unwanted pumpkins of November.

Want the bully series mentioned in today’s podcast for free? Join our newsletter and we’ll send it to you.

Is your preteen ministry on The Map yet? If not, add it today and start connecting with preteen ministry leaders in your area.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Sep 30, 2015

For over a decade, Patrick and Samantha Snow and a team of talented folks from Missouri have held SuperStart! preteen weekend events around the United States! They have been SO HUGE for preteen ministry.

Listen to today’s podcast to hear three reasons why Sean thinks SuperStart! is a GREAT idea for his preteen ministry (and maybe yours, too), and hear about how God has used SuperStart! to beautifully benefit preteen ministry far beyond the weekend event.

Patrick Snow gets preteen ministry, and explains THE BIKE better than anybody we’ve ever heard explain it. Join him and Sean for a Webinar coming up on October 20th.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Sep 28, 2015

Chris Santos, a ministry leader in Elevate, joins us on today’s podcast. It’s not the topic of today’s podcast, but last Wednesday in Elevate, Chris proposed to his girlfriend during our service. It was really cool. You can watch it here.

Today on the podcast, Chris joins Sean to talk about a volunteer development idea: “It’s better because you didn’t do it.”

Do you ever have a volunteer complete a task that you could have done better: Set up chairs, make slides, create a prop, teach the lesson, etc.? Listen to today’s podcast to find out why, in reality, it’s actually better because you DIDN’T do it.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Sep 24, 2015

Have you ever gone through a week of ministry work and said, “Where did the week go?” Are you prone to wasting time or jumping from action item to action item without much prayer, organization, or thought?

On today’s podcast, Sean discusses a couple of tools to help you get organized. Here are two of them:

The Beautiful To Do list: Suru

A tool that combined to do lists, calendar, and e-mail: Handle

Without a Driving Purpose, however, we can be very productive, but not be doing what we should be doing. Driving Purpose is a GREAT PLACE to start any discussion on being a good steward of our time.

What kind of tools do you use to optimize your time and be a good steward of your time? Share with us.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Sep 23, 2015

In a recent podcast, entitled “Folder of Encouragement”, we looked at the idea of receiving and keeping notes of encouragement for ourselves. Today, we flip that idea on its head!

Today’s podcast is short and simple and can summed up in one sentence: Write a note of encouragement to somebody on staff at your church. BAM!

A couple of announcements from today’s podcast:

  • Join us for Retreat 2 ADVANCE
  • We are in the beginning stages of creating curriculum, and we want your input. Answer 9 questions to help us create curriculum that YOU think is awesome.
  • Have you checked out “The Map”? Is your preteen ministry on The Map?

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Background music in today’s podcast is compliments of Purple Planet.

Sep 22, 2015

 

Sometimes, we can beat ourselves up over what happened on a Sunday morning or at an event, but what we really need is just a systematic and meaningful way to process (even when things go well).

See - there are really three services each Sunday:

  1. The one we planned
  2. The one that happens
  3. The one we wish had happened

When a service or event is over, is it over? Or do you process what’s happened in order to evaluate and plan future services and event.  If so, how do you go about processing all the different ideas that are floating around in your mind?

Today on the podcast, we discuss a way of thinking about thinking. J  The Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono gives you a way of understanding how to process and plan.  This amazing strategy can be used by yourself or with volunteers.

In other news…

TODAY, September 22nd, is the Launchinar!  Patrick Snow from Christ in Youth and Sean Sweet from FourFiveSix are leading this webinar and mentoring program!  Don’t miss it!

The AWESOME preteen ministry event - SuperStart! - is coming to the Sacramento area this weekend, and it may be coming to your area.  Just check the FourFiveSix Map to see what preteen ministry events are in your area.  Also, you can add YOUR preteen ministry events to The Map.

 

Sep 21, 2015

Today on the podcast, we discuss an international event that your preteens can participate in: See You at the Pole.  This isn’t just a youth ministry event! On this podcast, you’ll hear Sean share some his memories of powerful moments in preteen ministry that happened because of See You at the Pole.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

Sep 18, 2015

 

Music during transition times in your service can be a great addition to any preteen ministry, even those that do not have a sound system (details about that are included in the podcast).

On today’s podcast, you’ll hear a HUGE idea that can make a big difference in SO MANY WAYS for the overall experience of your weekly preteen service.  Here are a few of the benefits of music during transitions:

 

·         Helps with behavior

·         Helps to set tone and express expectation

·         Creates a “warm” environment

·         Introduces God-honoring music to preteens that they might want to buy for themselves

 

Mentioned in today’s podcast are several Christian artists:

 

·         Guvna B

·         FBJr.

·         Matthew Parker

·         Group1Crew

·         Desperation Band

 

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

Sep 17, 2015

 

In today’s podcast, we want to convince you of two things:

 

·         You should have a live band in your preteen ministry.

·         You CAN have a live band in your preteen ministry.

 

NOT CONVINCED OF THESE TWO THINGS?  Then today’s podcast is perfect for you.  Find out why Sean thinks that a live band is “almost a necessary thing” for preteen ministry, and how you can make it a reality in your preteen ministry.

Ready to learn to play some music?  Check out these links:

 

1.      In this YouTube video, the instructor will teach you the four piano chords you need to play most worship songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzLEYKPQ0w

2.      In this YouTube video, the instructor will teach you the four guitar chords: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmChNlDknbM

3.      You can google “Chords for __________” and fill in the blank with the name of most worship songs to find what you are looking for.

 

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

Sep 16, 2015

Today, Dayna Sweet shares an event idea that she lead last week: Girls’ Karaoke Night.  This was a fun event for the girls, but was also a chance for them to learn a powerful truth about music.

Here you can find the testimony that Dayna gave about music during the event.  The girls were completely silent as they intently listened to Dayna share this.

The schedule for the evening looked like this:

6:00-6:30 = Check in, song sign up, pizza, and praise dancing

6:30-6:55 = testimonies from two leaders

6:55-7:05 = snack, water break, song sing up

7:05-8:00 = Karaoke

8:00 = Dismissal, girls given a treat and a bookmark on their way out

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

Sep 15, 2015

 

Today’s idea is GOOD.  With your help, it can become GREAT!  Add you thoughts to improve this idea in the comment section of www.fourfivesix.org/preteen-created-t-shirts, or by e-mailing them to podcast@fourfivesix.org.

Preteens love to experiment with making things that can express who they are or how they are feeling.  A T-shirt can be a great outlet for any 4th, 5th, or 6th grade student.

On this podcast you’ll hear ideas of times WHEN preteens can make t-shirts.  For example:

 

·         At an event

·         Leading up to an event

·         VBS or Camp

·         In response to a message

 

You’ll also hear HOW preteens can make their own t-shirts.  For example:

 

·         Tie-dye

·         Sharpies and Alcohol

·         Cyanotype

·         Bleach Bottle

 

Now it’s your turn.  Add your thoughts about WHEN and HOW preteens can create their own t-shirts!

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

Sep 11, 2015

 

Today, we offer 1 very simple idea: Ask preteens for THEIR great ideas.  Sean discusses the trap that many of us fall into – to present ourselves as the ones with all the answers.  In the same vein as the Giving Power podcast that we aired last week, the concept is to be humble enough to ask your preteens to share their concepts.  You’ll never know what GREAT ideas you might get from them!

As a special bonus on today’s podcast, Sean asked his 5-, 8-, and 10-year olds for their great ideas for preteen ministry.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to podcast@fourfivesix.org. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

 

1 « Previous 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Next » 18