Today on the podcast, Sean discusses the idea of focusing on who you teach rather than what you teach.

Sean spent some time with Chip Henderson this last weekend and they discussed the concept of using a church wide study so that parents and children can go home and discuss the same things they both learned. The problem in this is that there are things that need to be taught that won’t be taught anywhere else to the younger generations, like preteens or junior higher.

However, these topics will be talked about when you start with the “who” first. By starting with the “who” it allows you to come up with a different “what” versus starting with a blank slate and figuring out what you want to teach first, and then making it fit your students.

When you have this “first, what I’m teaching” mindset, it exacerbates the negative perception of behavior problems that arise because you are focusing on the “what” and the preteens are keeping you from the “what”. By focusing on the “thing” versus focusing on this person, that student can feel like they are getting in your way. When you start with the “who,” you may come up with a completely different strategy than if you started with the “what” first.

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 Hannah Bush from Metropolitan Baptist in Houston Texas, about a mystery activity called the Donut Whodunit Mystery.

Hannah needed an activity for the Plug n Play time during Superstart!, and that is when the Donut Whodunit Mystery was born. It is a fun activity on a limited budget. It is set up kind of like a live game of Clue, and the leaders and staff act as the characters in the story. The preteens are the intelligence agency (the P.I.A.) sent out to solve the mystery. After performing tasks and receiving clues and profiles from the characters they were able to make accusations to the chief detective.

This is a simple activity that could take place just about anywhere. We are attaching the information here for you to review if you would like to play the Donut Whodunit Mystery.

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 speak with Armando Flores, an elementary/preteen pastor out of Southern California, and an interesting idea he has using buttons and badges for his preteen leaders.
Armando explains how he intentionally disciples to certain students in the large crowd. With the use of badges, he is able to distinguish between regular attendees and those students they are trying to disciple. The students receive a laminated badge (similar to the volunteers) and a lanyard. These students no longer have to wear the computer printed name badge which is the first differential. The badge is also used to help monitor behavior in their leadership team.
Additionally, there are the buttons that distinguish jobs. Students buttons distinguish the area of ministry they work in. If a student is scheduled for a job but is unable to make it the adult leader in that area can look for someone with that button to come and assist them. He also discusses how they use buttons for their monthly bible reading/devotion. Students are able to earn the monthly buttons and at the end of the year they can earn the Mega Button that shows they read the bible in a year.
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 shares a little bit of Katie Anderson’s breakout session at the 2018 Preteen Leaders’ Conference.
Katie Anderson discusses how we as leaders should be teaching content, procedures, and behavior. She notes that kids want to learn appropriate behavior. Think of it in this way, every student that walks into your ministry has an invisible contract in their hands. Their contract states that they would like you to teach them appropriate behavior in a safe and structured environment. On the flip side our part of the contract says that we will promise them that we will teach them appropriate behavior in a safe and structured environment. Students will test this contract by breaking a small rule. Based on how you come down on them for breaking the rule will determine if the student is able to trust you or not. Students who do not get the appropriate response back from you will keep coming back with larger and larger infractions until you come through with him consistently with safety and structure. Assume that when kids are testing the rules it is because they are testing us and want us to pass the test. They want us to show that your ministry is a safe and structured environment for them.
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 discusses his recent visit to a preteen ministry in Indiana, where he led a leader training.
Sean recently visited Vicki Murello’s ministry in Indiana and was able to watch their service in action as well as do a leader training class for their volunteers. He brought back 5 great ideas from his trip that he wanted to share with everyone. The first one is “The Impossible Shot” and fun opening game for service. The second one is a U-Line store display with iridescent ribbon weaved through and an LED light shining on it. It was a great stage prop. The third was the lunch meeting with her group, which was held during their third service at the church. What a great idea, if it is ok with your Sr. Pastor to hold a meeting when everyone is already on campus. The fourth idea was her small group spaces, which were designed not just thrown together. Being intentional about your small group space is a great idea. The fifth idea was the way she did her teaching. It was very conversational as if she was talking with her friends, very relaxed. When she gave her examples, she used the leaders instead of the preteens. No unnecessary attention is drawn on a preteen this way.
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 about a crisis averted that happened in one of Elevates’ recent services and what they learned from it and how they will change from it.
When crisis occur in your ministry there is a spectrum of how you can handle it. You can, on one end of the spectrum, blame someone for it and on the other end shove it under the rug because it is so rare it will never happen again. But in the middle, there is a place where we can learn from it and prepare a plan in case it does ever occur again. A place where we can make our ministries stronger and better suited to handle problems that might arise.
Out of the crisis in Elevate came three new policies that might never have come about if they just shoved it under the rug or played the blame game. Sitting down and discussing everything as a team allows you to grow and make your ministry even better.
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 discusses how the shape of your ministry should match the driving purpose so you are not trying things that don’t match your ministry.

Sean discussed how ministries can change because the preteens attitudes are different. After doing a karaoke night for the girls two years ago with great success, it was decided to do it again. Unfortunately, there were completely different outcome this time because the girls currently in the ministry are more shy. The lesson learned from this was that your ministry needs to be fluid and able to change based on the preteens in your ministry. Sean explains how it helps to get to know the likes and dislikes of the students when they come into your ministry. Don’t be on auto pilot and think that what you did in the past will continue to work with the new students. You may miss out on the best way to minister to the students you currently have.

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 shares some great resources for you ministry from Mike Sheley.

During the 2018 Online Preteen Leaders’ Conference Mike Sheley offered up some great resources for your preteen ministry. The best start is getting your preteens in the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Preteens have no idea what a chapter in the bible really is, so showing them this initially will give them a great base. Although most preteens probably don’t have access to mobile app version bibles they are a good tool when they are available. Another great resource is the Bible Project which uses animation to explain the bible. Putting the two options together is a great way to get your students into the Word. These are some great digital online tools for your ministry. Click here to get the links that Mike talks about.

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 discusses the idea of recognizing there are potential spiritual battles taking place in the hearts of everyone walking in to service.

Sean discussed a battle that he recognized this last Sunday in Elevate. He spent some time in the Word and praying that morning before service. He walked into the room and could sense something taking place that he could not visually see. There are many Sundays and Wednesdays that he doesn’t feel anything but this specific day he knew there was a spiritual battle taking place. Sean delivered a salvation message, went completely away from the scheduled message, because of what he was sensing. After talking about sin and asking if the preteens had sinned, all preteens raised their hands except one girl. This one girl in all honesty believed she was perfect. After the service getting a little of course, things did a 180 by the end of the day. That preteen girl actually was smiling and admitted she was a sinner and that she was accepted into Christ’s family that day.

The curriculum and lessons that you have planned to bring your preteens in is great. Let’s pray though that our eyes would be open to the spiritual battles taking place in the lives of the preteens we minister too.

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 the new Pastor Sean who is the early elementary pastor at Destiny regarding using everyday items to make a point during a lesson.

Pastor Sean Marshall discusses how everyday objects used during a lesson can be helpful because kids with associate things or ideas to objects. The goal is then that every time they see that object in everyday life it will remind them about a biblical truth.  Everything on earth is designed to give God glory, therefore everything has a message than can be applied to 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/.

Today on the podcast, Sean shares the schedule of Elevates’ Destiny Summer Day Camps.

If you are willing to share, in the comments section, your schedule so that we can bounce ideas of each other. Elevate did six day camps from 9am – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Sean runs through the standard schedule that Elevate had each week for camp. This included check-in and set-up of camp, morning gatherings, activity times, excursions, afternoon gatherings, and clean up. Knowing that camp season is just around the corner Sean would love to get your ideas as Elevate prepares for their second year of day camps.

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 discusses the idea that no matter what risks he takes, and how much he may fail, God is still sovereign and Sean is still saved.   

Sean woke up January 2, with a plate so full of things to be done, the pile seemed impossible to accomplish in the time he had. Curriculum needed to be written and produced, preparations for CPC and the Preteen Leaders Online Conference, along with building a large spaceship in the ministry space. The stress was overwhelming.

While on the way to the church that morning he felt God’s peace come over him. The thought that when we take risks and attempt to do big things and we fall short of them, God is still sovereign and our salvation is still with us. Knowing this concept allows you to do dangerous things that might end up in failure. Things might not end up the way that you want them to end up but remember we need to take a risk. Doing something that is more meaningful and powerful might be a bigger risk but it could be that one thing that catches a students’ attention.

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 shares discusses a pajama party event that Elevate held back in November.

The topic for the night was resting in God. The main point was to put your trust and hope in God and resting in him above all else. Using the pajama party idea made it a fun and memorable way to bring this message to the preteens. The set-up of the room was different allowing for a caged pillow fight for the opening game. The lesson set-up for the night asked the kids about resting, specifically the question “It’s hard to rest when someone is hitting you with a pillow?”

Continuing the theme the preteens were given little pillowcases the size of two post-it notes side by side. There was a large circle on one-side where the kids could write what makes them feel safe inside the circle. After small group time the preteens returned and using the pillows from the pillow fight Sean was able to write down examples from the students of what things made them feel safe. One student said God and using a different pillow Sean wrote on it. He piled all the pillows in the middle and explained how they have all of these things fighting for the spot that they put their trust in with their lives. Looking back at the pillowcases, they took that circle and turned it into an “O” and added G before and D after.  During the workshop time it was set up similar to a build a bear, and the students put a heart inside their pillow case and stuffing and sealed it up to turn it into a pillow. The students were able to take these pillows home with them to remember whom they needed to rest in.

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 shares some information from Jake Morgan's breakout session during the Preteen Online Leaders Conference last week regarding how shape and design can change the effectiveness of your invitations to preteen events. 

Postcards are not an exciting way of inviting people to special events. According to Jake, preteens need a baby step to help them invite their friends to special events in your ministry. We need one simple thing that is valuable that they will be willing and excited to pass on to their friends.

For their special event, they gave their regular attending preteens postcards with all the details but they made special VIP passes for them to give to their friends to invite them to come. Those passes are pictured in the image for this great idea. They looked like a real ticket to a big event. Offering these special passes for the students to hand to their friends allowed them to be a part of making the event a success and gave them something of value that they were excited to share with their friends.

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 discusses linking special events to your Sunday morning service rather than holding it on a Friday or Saturday.

When Sean first began in ministry they recognized that a Friend’s Day was a great opportunity to get preteens to bring their friends to church. They initially would hold something on Saturday night, like a bowling night or an event at a trampoline park. They thought that by holding the event on Saturday night the kid would spend the night and they would come back with their friend to church on Sunday. Unfortunately, there was limited impact and students would end up not returning on Sunday. Eventually they decided that it would be more beneficial to hold the event on the Sunday which would bring those preteens to the Sunday service. Initially the Friend’s Day would be held immediately after service and they would feed them pizza and then load a bus and go do something fun. More recently the events have been held in the morning before most facilities are open to the public so that it becomes an exclusive event for the preteens and then load the bus and return to the church for a regular service.

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 discusses a game show called The Cube that included games very similar to minute to win it games.

Get ready to discover a treasure-trove of games you can play in your preteen ministry!

Sean gives some ideas for short minimal supplies needed games that can be played in front of the group or in some cases allowing everyone to play. These include Minute to Win It blueprints that you can get from YouTube. Go to YouTube and do a search for m2wi blueprints, or search for thecubeuk.

The great thing about these games is that they use limited supplies and small amount of space to play fun interactive games with the 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/.

Today on the podcast, Sean and Dayna talk about money saving techniques when buying things for your ministry.

They discuss how saving money can allow you to extend the money that you have allowing you to do more with what you have as well as being good stewards with the churches money. Dayna explains that familiarizing yourself with the needs of your ministry so that when you find things on sale you can buy it even if it is a couple months out until you need it. If you wait until it is to late you will pay whatever to get the items, you need. Joining email lists can be another great benefit for saving money. Familiarizing yourself with the local dollar store can be such a great benefit because sometimes they have stuff you might not think they would have. Finally making sure that your ministry space is also organized will allow you to know what you have so you aren’t purchasing items that you already have but didn’t know where they were.

The main point here to take away is think before you buy and purchase the items at the lowest costs possible.

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 and Makenna discuss the carnival themed VBS that Elevate ran this last summer.

During the week long VBS preteens created their own carnival booths, took a trip to a real-life carnival – the California state fair, and held their own carnival at the end of the week. Sean and Makenna discuss the details of the week including a clown university that didn’t go as well as they would have hoped.

The week ended with a fundraiser on Sunday after church where the kids were able to show off their carnival booths. It was a great opportunity for the church to see what was happening during the week at camp.

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 gives details on classroom management versus discipline. Two very different and highly important elements for a successful preteen ministry.

Discipline is a way of helping the preteens grow. Discipline comes from the root word “Disciple”, which means: “to teach.”

On the other hand, Classroom Management, like sending a kid out of the room for being disruptive, is not teaching them much of anything or showing concern for their development.

With Classroom Management, you are simply communicating to preteens that their current behavior is not acceptable. Classroom management is ok but it needs to be combined with discipline.

Both means are good, and both are important. A ministry to preteens will not be as effective if it has one without the other one. Classroom management by itself does not lead to growth for the preteens. It is not leading to a heart change; it is only bringing about a shallow surface change. Using both combined will lead to a better ministry environment with heart changes for your preteens.

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 and Makenna give details about this past summers' day camp that had a successful "Superhero" theme.

The week started off with the preteens going through Superhero University to receive their super powers. The camp directors acted as professors for the preteens and handed out grades as the groups moved between the different activity stations. Each group of campers became their own superhero team with their own world. This was carried throughout the week as the preteens created comic books about their specific hero they thought up.

Makenna discusses how it was great to see the kids using their made up powers while they were on field trips at the pool and watching them be able to use their imagination all week. In addition to being professors, later in the week, the leaders also became villains. The week culminated with a giant evil fortress including minions and the main villain "Unusual Professor Dr. Inkblot Ed".

The creation of the villain on the last day included a 2 hour activity with water balloons and squirt guns and a hidden villain that the groups worked together to destroy by gaining pieces to a bomb while completing tasks. Using smoke bombs the leaders set off inside the fortress right as the bomb went off, the villain was finally vanquished.

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 gives more details about the policy that Elevate has in place called "The Rule of Three.” A great policy to protect not only your preteens, but your leaders, too.

The Rule of Three is a simple concept that requires that there always be three people together. What this means is that a leader is never alone by themselves with a preteen. There is either one preteen and two leaders or two preteens and one leader at all times as a minimum requirement.

Maybe you don't have any policy regarding this and this is an easy policy to add. If you ever see a leader by themselves with a preteen it is easy to remind them just by saying, "Rule of Three.”

This does not apply to only adult leaders and preteens but should also be used with your high school volunteers as well. Recent studies* have shown that roughly half of all sex offenses against minors under 12 are initiated by other minors. A rule of three is a GREAT policy for ALL of your leaders, including your high school and middle school leaders.

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/.

* Center for Sex Offender Management. (1999). Understanding juvenile sexual offending behavior. Silver Spring, MD: Author.

Today on the podcast, Trenton gives more details about how he created this exciting design element for Elevate's ministry space. If you would like to actually see a tour of the Light-Up Thingy, you can watch the tour Trenton gave.

Built with some simple supplies that can be purchased at your local hardware store. Pick up some corrugated plastic, some form of really bright colored light like LED can lights, some felt and Velcro and you can create any design that you can think up. This is an inexpensive project, most corrugated plastic can be found for a large 2'x3' sheet for under $10. The Light-Up Thingy is a simple design element that can bring some excitement to your ministry space.

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/.