Episode 301: Preteen Ministry – What’s Old & New with Sean Sweet

<div class="smart-track-player-container stp-color-ed702b-ed702b spp-stp-desktop" data-uid="a129e7f9"></div><div class="spp-shsp-form spp-shsp-form-a129e7f9"></div> <p>In this episode, Sean Sweet shares insights on the evolution and importance of preteen ministry, drawing from his transition from church staff to leading a nonprofit focused on preteen resources. He highlights the unique developmental needs of preteens, the value of intentional programming, and how preteen ministry can effectively bridge children’s and youth ministries through engaging, community-building experiences.</p> <h2>Sean Sweet</h2> <p>Connect with Sean and find resources at the following sites:</p> <ul> <li><a href="mailto:[email protected]"><strong>Sean's Email</strong></a><b></b></li> <li><a href="https://www.fourfivesix.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FourFiveSix.org</strong></a></li> </ul> <h2><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Volunteer Playbook</span></h2> <p><em><strong>My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting <a href="http://www.volunteerplaybook.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">volunteerplaybook.com</a> or by visiting <a href="https://amzn.to/43yCluS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon</a>. </strong></em></p> <h2>Episode Notes</h2> <div><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></div> <div> <ul class="Apple-dash-list"> <li>Preteen ministry is essential for addressing the unique developmental needs of preteens.</li> <li>Creating intentional spaces for preteens is crucial for their growth and engagement.</li> <li>Events specifically for preteens help them take ownership of their faith and friendships.</li> <li>The evolution of preteen ministry has led to more resources and awareness in churches today.</li> <li>Leadership structure matters; preteen ministries can thrive under either children's or youth ministry, depending on context.</li> <li>Preteens are at a stage where they begin to question and explore their faith more deeply.</li> <li>Distinct experiences for preteens help them transition smoothly into youth ministry.</li> <li>The importance of community and relationship-building in preteen ministry cannot be overstated.</li> <li>Preteen ministry should not mimic youth ministry but rather cater to the specific needs of preteens.</li> <li>The age of 12 is significant in faith development, marking a transition in maturity.</li> </ul> </div> <h2>Watch it on YouTube</h2> <p><iframe title="Preteen Ministry - What&#039;s Old & New with Sean Sweet - Episode 301" width="1080" height="608" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kL7rZU3BSxY?feature=oembed" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> <h2>Ministry Boost Coaching</h2> <p><a href="https://ministryboost.org/coaching/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.</a></p> <h2>Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes Out</h2> <p>Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.<br /> <script src="https://ministry-boost.ck.page/894c7a7be4/index.js" async="" data-uid="894c7a7be4"></script></p> <h2>Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment</h2> <p>To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nick-blevins-family-ministry/id1114357026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/I5jepv5xvtrr4g5ehddm4usvy2y?t=Nick_Blevins_Family_Ministry_Podcast_Children__Youth__Students__NextGen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Play</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=90266&refid=stpr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stitcher</a>, or <a href="http://tunein.com/radio/Nick-Blevins-Family-Ministry-Podcast-p877774/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tune In</a> radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.</p> <h2>Special Sponsor: Clearstream</h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. <a href="https://clearstream.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clearstream.io</a> works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.</span></p>