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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
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Now displaying: May, 2015
May 28, 2015

 

After 35 other great ideas, Sean shares what he considers to be the greatest idea we've shared so far: planned times of retreat. We already talked about scheduling a “Time With God” for your preteens during weekly services in episode 16…now let’s talk about scheduling them for yourself.

 

Listen to today’s podcast to hear more about this idea, and to hear his CHALLENGE for you. If you take the challenge, let us know about it…and let us know how it went.

 

A great opportunity for an extended time of retreat is coming in November.  Join Sean and Heather at “retreat to ADVANCE”.

 

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.

 

May 27, 2015

 

Today, we ask Patrick Snow from CIY why he does some of the crazy things that he does at SuperStart!.  He shares a key to preteen ministry that they’ve discovered along the way: engagement through involvement!  Today, we discuss two different ways that the concept of involvement is infused into everything that SuperStart! does, and how that can be translated into YOUR preteen ministry.

 

How about you? How do you involve and engage students? Let us know.

 

Want to get involved in the FourFiveSix Community? Here are four ways:

 

 

May 26, 2015

You can subscribe to our podcast and get 4, 5, or 6 great ideas for your preteen ministry every week.

Who would love to have a small group time with focused, present, listening, mindful preteens? On today’s podcast, Drew Crisp (from SuperStart!) shares an idea that can help – improv. activities.

How about you? How do you start off small group time in a way that gets students focused? 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.

May 25, 2015

 

Today, Sean & Sam share Fun, Frugal Funnoodle ideas. Summer is coming, and those pool noodles (aka “funnoodles”) are readily available.  On this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear 4 different uses for these crazy oversized toys that you can use in your preteen ministry.

 

Sam is full of great ideas, like what we discussed in Episode 30: Photo Booths.

 

Sam and Sean also talked in Episode 032: Transition Ceremony, when they discussed how they transition students from one ministry to the next “through fire”.

 

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.

 

May 21, 2015

 

Today, Sean (preteen ministry) and Sam (middle school ministry) talk about one way that they help students transition out of and into ministry: a transition ceremony. You’ll hear about the details of a ceremony that they’ve worked together to create, a campfire where “Elevate-rs” become “Detourians”.

 

You can also check out another transition method by listening to Idea #24: Connecting through Ice Cream.

 

How about you? How do you transition students out of or into your ministry? 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.

 

May 20, 2015

 

Today’s podcast explores to the idea of “getting dressed up for service”. Enhance the memorability of your services with this simple and fun idea!

 

A couple of things going on at www.fourfivesix.org:

 

  • The Map goes live TOMORROW, God willing.  Click here for more information.

  • Just starting a preteen ministry at your church.  Sign up for the “Launching a preteen ministry” webinar.

  • Join a small group of people at “retreat 2 ADVANCE” in November, 2015.  Only 25 churches will be a part of this great retreat especially for leaders of 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. Want to get more great ideas right now?  Come join the community of preteen leaders at www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 19, 2015

 

Remember when you were a preteen and would love to get your picture taken in one of those photo booths at the skating ring or at the arcade? With today’s technology, we can easily create our own photo booths for the preteens in our ministries.  Listen to today’s podcast for some ideas on how to easily do this in your own preteen ministry.

 

A couple of things going on at www.fourfivesix.org:

 

  • TheMap goes live on Thursday, God willing.

  • Just starting a preteen ministry at your church.  Sign up for the “Launching a preteen ministry” webinar.

  • Join a small group of people at “retreat 2 ADVANCE” in November, 2015.  Only 25 churches will be a part of this great retreat especially for leaders of 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. Want to get more great ideas right now?  Come join the community of preteen leaders at www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 18, 2015

 

Today’s idea is a lesson illustration for teaching about the fear of the unknown, and comes from a series we developed that is all about facing fears.  The series is called “Studio 41:10” and is based on Isaiah 41:10, which says:

 

“So do not fear, for I am with you.

 

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

 

I will strengthen you and help you.

 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 14, 2015

Some preteens love being at the mall.  Some preteens like competition.  Mall Madness gives you an opportunity to have a fun event that has both!  A scavenger hunt (or shopping list) at the mall can be a great event after an outreach Sunday.  “Bring your friends to church and afterward we’ll be going to the mall for a scavenger hunt.” Today, you’ll hear some organizational ideas that can help you to plan your very own “Mall Madness”.

 

By the way, have you heard all the big news about next week?

 

  • Chirst in Youth’s Patrick Snow is offering a free luncheon and training on The Bike in Sacramento, California on May 19th.  Just contact C.I.Y. at 417-781-2273 to sign up.

  • THE MAP goes live on May 21st, God willing!

  • All the information about r2A will be announced next week as well!  Woohoo!

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 13, 2015

 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Perhaps the most famous Psalm (Psalm 23) gives us great opportunities for creative preteen services.  Listen to today’s podcast to hear two different service activities based on Psalm 23.

 

Mentioned in the podcast are the “Here are My Hands” video by Aaron Niequist (start at around 2:57) and “House of God, Forever” by Jon Foreman.

 

By the way, have you heard all the big news about next week?

 

  • Chirst in Youth’s Patrick Snow is offering a free luncheon and training on The Bike in Sacramento, California on May 19th.  Just contact C.I.Y. at 417-781-2273 to sign up.

  • THE MAP goes live on May 21st, God willing!

  • All the information about r2A will be announced next week as well!  Woohoo!

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 12, 2015

 

Getting preteens to OPEN THEIR EYES and notice the new and alone kids in your ministry is an important part of helping them to grow as a part of the body of Christ.  Today on the podcast, you’ll hear three different ideas on how to connect your “regulars” with new and visiting preteens.

 

By the way, have you heard all the big news about next week:

 

  • Chirst in Youth’s Patrick Snow is offering a free luncheon and training on The Bike in Sacramento, California on May 19th.  Just contact C.I.Y. at 417-781-2273 to sign up.

  • THE MAP goes live on May 21st, God willing!

  • All the information about r2A will be announced next week as well!  Woohoo!

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 11, 2015

 

iPhone’s microphone feature creates an unexpected opportunity to encourage the people in your life, which you’ll hear about in our podcast today.  Many thanks to Karl Bastian, Mr. Kidology himself, for this clever idea, which he shared on his podcast.

 

Even without an iPhone, the concepts shared in our podcast today will help you think about how you might build up ministry volunteers and other people in your life.

 

Have you seen FourFiveSix.org’s new homepage? Check it out!

 

Have you heard all the big news about next week:

 

  • Chirst in Youth’s Patrick Snow is offering a free luncheon and training on The Bike in Sacramento, California on May 19th.  Just contact C.I.Y. at 417-781-2273 to sign up.

  • THE MAP goes live on May 21st, God willing!

  • All the information about r2A will be announced next week as well!  Woohoo!

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 7, 2015

 

Starting off well with parents and preteens transitioning into your preteen ministry can be extremely beneficial.  There are so many ways to make a connection that leads to a smooth transition. 

 

Today’s podcast talks about one such way: An Ice Cream Social.  You’ll hear one way to pull off a successful transition event for both the preteens and parents that are moving into the preteen ministry of your church.

 

Some “name dropping” occurred during today’s podcast, so here are the links:

 

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 6, 2015

 

Have you experienced this? Preteens LOVE TO DANCE….yes, even the boys.  If the dance moves are cool, that is.  Imagine dancing like a robot while a strobe light flashes?  Put those two together and look what you get:  strobe + robot = STROBOT.

 

Today on the podcast, you’ll instructions on our version of the Strobot.

 

Warning: “For about 3 percent of people with epilepsy, exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns can trigger seizures.” –read more here

 

We started with:

 

  • The song “Strobot” by LZ7 from their Aftershow album

  • A strobe-light (you can get one fairly cheap at your local party supply store or by clicking here.  Another option is to use your screens as a strobe light.  Click here for that option.),

  • A way to turn the strobe off and on (a power strip with a switch will work fine)

 

We have the kids pick a spot (which becomes THEIR SPOT) in the front of the room to stand.  Then we teach them the four sections of the song.

 

CHORUS (“STROBOT”)

 

For the chorus, we do the dance moves from this video by LZ7 for the first half of the chorus and then move like a robot in random robot movements for the rest of the chorus.

 

VERSES (“FREE STYLE”)

 

For the verses, the kids dance however they’d like and move away from their spot around the room.  Fun silliness ensues.

 

PRE-CHORUS (“CLAP”)

 

During the pre-chorus, everybody claps their hands to the beat and moves back to THEIR SPOT in the front the room.

 

ONE MEASURE BEFORE THE CHORUS (“READY…SET…”)

 

Right before the chorus, we get ready by freezing in a robot stance, with elbows out to the side and arms hanging down.  Now we are ready to go back to the chorus and strobot again.

 

 

 

The Strobot is SO MUCH FUN!  And you can teach your preteens to do it in a jiffy!  That’s what makes it today’s great idea!

 

 

 

If you haven’t done so already, make sure to add your preteen ministry to “The Map” at fourfivesix.org. We want to help you connect with those 1,000’s of preteen ministries all around you!  (“The Map” is scheduled to release May 21st – woohoo!)

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 5, 2015

 

Discipleship of preteens includes a lot of different facets.  Today’s idea is to implement a program which helps the preteens with just one of those facets: serving the church.

 

In this podcast, you’ll hear about the “Fifth Grade Helper” program.  Clunky name, yes, but the preteens in Elevate like it. Haha.  This is a program 12 years in the making, and it’s still developing and shifting.

 

Today, you’ll hear the 4 things that this discipleship program accomplishes, as well as some details as to the skills and concepts that the Fifth Grade Helpers are developing.

 

If you haven’t done so already, make sure to add your preteen ministry to “The Map” at fourfivesix.org.  We want to help you connect with those 1,000’s of preteen ministries all around you!  (“The Map” is scheduled to release May 21st – woohoo!)

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

May 4, 2015

 

Do you ever have parents that “miss the boat” on something happening in your ministry, and then they’re upset because they didn’t know?  One of the challenges of communicating with parents of preteens is that often, we don’t have personal contact with them and we have to rely on preteens to deliver the information.

 

Today’s podcast discusses a mechanism (a calendar) for doing just that.  PLUS…you’ll hear about Crazy Chris’ Calendar Contest, which increased the reach of our communication in more way than one.

 

Mike Sheley wrote about how his ministry uses calendars a while back.  You can read about that by clicking here.

 

Oh – by the way – before you go – make sure to add your preteen ministry to “The Map” at fourfivesix.org.  We want to help you get more great ideas by connecting with preteen ministries all around you!  (“The Map” is scheduled to release May 21st – woohoo!)

 

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 www.fourfivesix.org.

 

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