Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Makenna about the idea of offering preteens a place where they can make an impact in the ministry.
Preteens are at the age where they can begin to make the decision about how they want to give back to the church. They are at the age where they can make the choice to serve or just continue to be an audience like in children’s ministry. By giving the preteens and opportunity to take ownership of the ministry it is allowing them to feel like they are contributing to it.
Makenna explains how in the Deeply Rooted Curriculum there is an emphasis on knowing who you are in God and that you are created with a purpose. That purposes causes us to do certain things to show God to the world, be it through worship, evangelism or serving. In Elevate this year we have given the preteens lots of opportunities to serve in our ministry. Not just for the leadership students but for everyone. For example, with the Surprise Party it has given every preteen a chance to get involved in putting the party together. Our goals should be to activate their faith and the need in them to give back to the 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/.
Today on the podcast, Sean speaks with Jaime about the idea of alternating big events with ones less taxing.
Jaime’s favorite thing from 2018 was the Friendship, which required the putting up and tearing down of a giant spaceship every week in Elevate. Although this was a lot of work it was fun for her because it brought joy to the preteens to walk into a giant ship for service. The problem is when you do big events like this it brings about stress which is good, but when you continue week after week having these stressful events is creates distress which is actually unhealthy.
The preteens remember these big events but you have to be intentional about when you are doing them to not distress those responsible for putting it together. Big events are not always about doing a lot of stuff. You can go to a concert with your kids or a conference that doesn’t require you doing all the work. Alternating between things that require investment, energy & stress and those that don’t require anything is the big ide for 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. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.
Today on the podcast, Sean speaks with Pastor Chris about the 6th grade leadership program in Elevate.
Having Pastor Chris join the Elevate team as the 6th grade pastor has allowed us the opportunity to expand our current leadership program. Chris has found that these oldest preteens are able to take on more responsibility and are ready to expand their service to the church.
The 6th grade champions program allows them a chance to see what best suits them and their personalities and strengths. It gives them an opportunity to get plugged in and engaged in a ministry in the church where they feel God is calling them. It is a graduation of sorts from the 5th grade helpers program. It offers them various areas throughout the church to serve: younger kids (preschool and elementary), greeting with the adults, leading worship in the younger kids, helping with a performing arts aspect of the 6th grade class, as well as running the tech booth in Elevate. The preteens move from a generalized program with the 5th grade helpers to a more individualized program in the 6th grade champions. Additionally, on Sundays before they head to where they are serving they meet with Pastor Chris and his wife Jaime to pray and talk about how they are doing.
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 on the podcast, Sean speaks with Zach Matchett about the idea of changing up your normal.
The idea of changing your normal ministry routine can bring about so many positive results. For Zach it is his different special events like the “Pre-winter Party” or “Breksgiving” which are done during their normal service time. These are themed events that allow the preteens to invite friends to a light-hearted fun event.
These events are a great opportunity for your ministry to build community by simply changing up the routine a little. What's amazing is the amount of participation that you'll get with these types of events. The preteens really enjoy having a chance to do something different every once in a while.
So how could you change up your routine slightly and add in a themed event to allow your preteens a chance to invite friends?