This is NOT a podcast about American idol. It’s NOT even a podcast about the “Worst Singer Contest”. It’s a podcast about creating a safe place for preteens to be silly. Because, for whatever reason, they are good at being silly. And they are looking for a safe place to be silly.
When preteens know that their ministry space is a safe place to be silly, then they know that they have found a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings, a safe place to ask tough questions, and a safe place to worship. Help your preteens to know that church is a safe place to be vulnerable – silliness is a good starting point.
Listen to hear how Sean used a singing contest as a way of helping preteens feel comfortable and safe in Elevate (the preteen ministry he leads). And while you might not replicate the details, the concept is something to think about.
How do you help preteens to know they are safe to be silly?
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/.
Today’s idea comes to us from a youth pastor in Missouri. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to help your preteens connect with your ministry. More information about Impact student ministries can be found here: http://ofallonchristianchurch.com/students
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/.
The App Store is full of little treasures, if you will use a little creativity. Simply scrolling through the App Store with a mindset of “How can I use this in service?” may produce a brand new and fun game, activity, or object lesson.
On today’s Podcast, we look at an example of this: The AgingBooth app. Hear how you could use this in a simple game during a lesson about God’s Plan for our lives.
As a reminder, the launchinar, for people who are just starting out in preteen ministry, starts tomorrow. This is a final boarding call! Get all the details today at http://www.fourfivesix.org/launchinar.
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/.
How much time do we spend creating logos, making videos and designing T-Shirts (just to name a few)? How much money is your time worth, when that time could be used developing relationships with volunteers and visiting preteens in the hospital? What if, for $5, many of the tasks you do could be outsourced to professionals, and your time could be spent on the things that only you can do.
Today’s podcast explores the idea of outsourcing, with two specific examples:
1. Fiverr.com, which Corey Jones shared with us through podcast@fourfivesix.org. Here are two examples of the kind of work Corey has had Fiverr do for his ministry:
2. Amb3r.com, which Sean uses for T-shirt design and production.
As a reminder, the launchinar, for people who are just starting out in preteen ministry, is this Thursday. Get all the details today at http://www.fourfivesix.org/launchinar.
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/.
When preteens think of “The Church”, do they think of a building? New Testament writers always use the term Church to refer to a people, not a building.
Today’s podcast is a lesson idea that can help preteens understand the powerful truth about WHO, not what, is “The Church”. It is a lesson idea that was conceived of at a FourFiveSix conference, during a workshop where people were brainstorming in teams to create material-based lessons.
Mentioned in this podcast is the launchinar, for people who are just starting out in preteen ministry. Get all the details at http://www.fourfivesix.org/launchinar.
Have you checked out the brand new FourFiveSix magazine? Check it out and subscribe for free today! http://www.fourfivesix.org/the-magazine
This is the last new podcast until June 22nd. Enjoy!
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.
There are many great resources out there aimed at parents of preteens. Today, we’ll talk about how these resources can not only help us as ministry leaders, but also help us to help the parents of the preteens in our ministries.
Yoursphere is a great parenting resource, focused on providing the latest in tech trends for teens and kids. http://internet-safety.yoursphere.com/
The brand new FourFiveSix magazine is another such resource. Check it out and subscribe for free today! http://www.fourfivesix.org/the-magazine
Mentioned in this podcast is the launchinar, for people who are just starting out in preteen ministry. Get all the details at http://www.fourfivesix.org/launchinar.
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.
Volunteers are NOT tools. Although that’s how Sean viewed them when he first started in ministry. Today, he talks about a different – some might even say “backward” – approach to volunteers.
For more on volunteers, check out Nick Diliberto’s newest podcast over at www.preteenministry.net.
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.
Think you know what toilet paper and tin foil are good for? Think again!
On today’s podcast you’ll hear FIVE new uses for these items in your preteen ministry.
But we know there are probably 500 more uses floating around out there. Will you share one that you’ve found? If you’re willing, share it at www.fourfivesix.org/tp.
Mentioned in today’s podcast were PHOTO BOOTHS and FUNNOODLES. There were both podcasts from the past that you can check-out.
Also…are you starting a preteen ministry at your church, or do you know somebody who is? Check out our mentoring program for new preteen ministries: www.fourfivesix.com/launchinar.
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.
“Look at me when I’m talking to you.”
Perhaps this was once your 7th grade teacher’s instruction to you.
“Look at me when YOU’RE talking to me.”
Today, this is the unspoken cry of many 4th and 5th graders in your ministry.
Eye contact brings you into the present, and as Sean notes in today’s podcast, “As you become present, it increases your ability to give something meaningful to the people around you.”
How about you? How do you bring yourself “into the present”? Share your ideas with us in the comment section below.
Want some more connection ideas? Check out:
Are you starting a preteen ministry at your church, or do you know somebody who is? Check out our mentoring program for new preteen ministries: www.fourfivesix.com/launchinar.
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.