**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net
In my last post, I offered many reasons for small churches (or church plants) to launch a preteen ministry. In this post, I’m going to share a few ways they can effectively reach preteens.
1. Split up preteens for weekend services. Ideally, it’s the best way to go. If preteens meet separately, you can design programming and an environment that is age specific. As a result, you maximize impact. However, not every small church has the resources to do so. If that’s you, read on.
2. Launch a midweek group. Midweek is a great tool to reach preteens. It provides the environment for relationships to flourish, spiritual growth to excel and newcomers to be reached. It is also a great alternative if you don’t have the resources to meet separately on Sundays.
3. Have relational events. Peer relationships are a priority for preteens. They’re attracted to an environment that revolves around making and being with friends. Having relational preteen events can meet that need. Some ideas: laser tag, game night, sleepover, bowling, water inflatable party, Nerf Wars (lots of Nerf guns and night of battle) and a swim party. Think simple and easy. The idea is to get them together and have fun. No need to be over the top.
4. Train preteens to be leaders. Preteens want to serve. They want to help. So, recruit and train them to be leaders. Have them help out with younger kids for Sunday services and special events. Be sure to train them well. Don’t just throw them out to the wolves. Take time to be clear about their specific role and responsibilities. Point out what they’re doing well and help them improve on their weaknesses.
5. Go to camp. Preteens have life-changing experiences at camp. Partner with other churches in your area and share the responsibilities of doing your own camp. That way, it doesn’t all fall on your shoulders. Or bring your group to a camp that provides all the programming. That way, you and your leaders spend time connecting with students.
6. Launch small groups. Small groups are great for preteens because of their relational nature. Do them at church, homes or coffee shops. They can be a means to reach many goals: discipleship, relationship or outreach. Whatever form or location you chose will most likely be effective. Why. Because preteen small groups are effective!
7. Come up with a name. Naming the ministry creates a group identity. Give it a name and preteens identify with the ministry. Think about it. Your favorite football team, restaurant and ice cream has a name. Everything has a name. Let preteens help you come up one. Trust me, they’ll come up with better ideas than you :)
Nick Diliberto is creator of PreteenMinistry.net, which provides creative curriculum and resources for preteen ministry. He is also the preteen columnist for Children’s Ministry Magazine and Children’s Pastor at Seven San Diego Church.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Nick,
Great post and these are things I am in the process of doing with our pre-teen group right now. We are moving to a new building and have ear-marked a room for us which we are all excited about.
I have a name which we have agreed on as a group and plans for mid-week meetings also. This is so helpful and blessings on you.
Robert
Glad it was helpful everyone! Jeanne, alphausa.org has a youth version of The Alpha program that is adaptable to preteens. If I was in a school setting, I would use that. Hope that helps!
Every Sunday we start with the preliminaries as one class for all the children. Then we separate at the time of sharing the word/lesson. The preteen class is composed of 9 years and above. We began with about 10 children now the number has risen to above 25 within six months. They named themselves Blessed Giants while the young ones Little Angels. Today four new members came moreover in teenage. We feel like creating the teenagers’ class!
Hi, thank you so much for the ideas, it is very helpful. I am planning today of regrouping the children here in our community, ages 4-6 yrs old 7-12 and 13-19…and yes with group names…hope that you will have more ideas for us to use so we , as the servant of the LORD , can use it in the LORDS ministry..GOD BLESS..
We started a Preteen group for two Sunday’s a month because that was all the helped we could get to start with. We called it Club 4-56 (four fifty six) and it was a huge hit. We started if with Kidology’s Narnia series. The kids have loved it and the younger kids liked having the freedom to be themselves at least twice a month. I highly recommend it. I love the idea of bringing the preteens into service too!
Thanks for the ideas, Nick, how about in the after school programs too??
Hey Nick,
I like it. We are doing a outreach at a public school and your ideas for bringing the preteens together for teaching and yes, fellowship so they feel closer to one another and God in their school environment is important. Got any other ideas we can use? We have got to get these children while they are young like this is so important. Thanks!!