MELLOW WAVE

Today on the podcast, Sean shares an excerpt of Melissa McDonald’s session at the Preteen Leaders Conference. Melissa discusses the idea of building a team in your ministry. Not only building a team among the leaders but also with the preteens. In her ministry they stopped playing competitive games and started doing team building with the students. She wove it into the schedule, the first 20 minutes was set aside to build a team. It was never again one team against another it was, “We are all a team”. One example of a great team building game she gives is having all the students stand on a log and get in order on the log by their birthday with out talking to each other. She never left their side as they worked on it, instead she stayed and helped and encouraged them. Remain positive and continue to do it. It took her group two months to complete this team building by doing 20 minutes every time they met. Once they begin to work as a team then you can add back in the competitive team games. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Recap Yearbook. Zach and his team have created a memento of the year for their students to reinforce what they learned over the year. It is a devotional and a yearbook all in one. They started from the very first meeting of the school year and recapped all the lessons into a devotional for the summer. Using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer) they created the devotional. They also included pictures from events, retreats and all the fun stuff from the year. This would be a great graduation idea 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 [email protected]. 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 Michael Grady regarding a family devotional that he has created. Michael has a passion for what the Bible has for families and the knowledge it can offer when you really know it. He took this passion and created a devotional to allow families to spend time in the Word together. The title of the devotional is Making God Part of Your Family. This allows for a conversational element to occur between the parents and preteens. "If you are like most families, your schedule is probably busier than ever...making it difficult to find any time to spend together as a family, leaving little or no time for God. If a relationship with God and learning more about him is important to you and your family, this book is for you." Michael Grady The devotionals offer a 10-15 minutes story that will allow for 30-45 minutes of discussion time via the questions that it asks with each story. If you would like to get a copy of Michael’s devotional or as a tool to share with parents, you can do so at www.michaelgrady.org. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about the concept of memorizing your lesson. The benefit is greater when you have the ability to memorize the message you will be teaching. Memorizing your message removes the barrier between you and your audience. It allows you to focus on the people you are speaking to rather that constantly looking down at a piece of paper. You are able to stay on track and not lose your place while teaching. Additionally, you have a greater peace when you are able to get into the message. You don’t nee to fear skipping over or missing pieces of the message because you forget a piece. Sean mentions that in those times he trusts that the Holy Spirit is guiding his words. He offers some great tips that will help you to memorize your message. It is worth the extra effort for both you and the preteens. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Family Framework Event. Zach is from a multi-site church in Indiana, Northview Church. The framework is a series of mile marker events that students and families go through from when they are born to when they graduate. Discipleship is a partnership between the family and local church. An example would be that in 2nd grade every kid gets their first Bible. They are brought up on stage and it is a big event. With the preteens they do what they call the Blessing. There is a separate events for Father/Son and Mother/Daughter. If you would like more information on how the Family Framework is done visit this website https://www.northviewchurch.us/familyframework/. Additionally you can contact Zach by email at [email protected]. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 regarding Prayer Knight. Recently Elevate had a service, which was called Prayer Knight. It is a play on words to give the night a medieval theme. The whole night carried this theme even to the point of having a cardboard castle set up on stage. Preservice was themed the same way and was easy and the preteens enjoyed it. The message is what made the night so impactful. The service discussed the concept of prayer. Beginning the message with the Armor of God and transitions nicely into prayer. By breaking down the Lord’s prayer into four sections preteens were given a simple way of understanding how to pray. It allowed them to go from learning into actually doing it. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Yancy and Robert Quinn regarding Heartbeat Worship Curriculum. Heartbeat worship curriculum is a bi-weekly curriculum meant to help preteen and younger kids engage in worship. Yancey explains the background behind the curriculum and her mindset regarding what she wanted the curriculum to do for ministries. Looking at Psalm kids are able to see what the scripture specifically teaches them how to worship. Additionally, it can also teach the leaders how to guide and lead the preteens in worship. Robert is currently using the curriculum and discusses how it is working with his preteens. One of their favorite components is the resources and tools that it offers the leaders to engage the kids. They have seen preteens that have never engaged in worship in the past taking that next step and beginning to grow in their worship time. If you are interested in purchasing this curriculum, you can click on this link. https://promo.fourriversmedia.com/yancy-ministries-heart-beat/ Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Makenna about anticipating their behavior. You can’t expect preteens behavior. Recently in one of Elevate’s services, the preteens were given two choices of what they wanted to learn. As a leadership we felt that they would choose “A” but when it came down to it they choose the other and it left us with too many kids in a smaller class. When we think we have it all figured out for preteens we realize that we don’t. You may do an event for several years and on the fifth year, you get completely the opposite results. The preteens are at the stage where they will flip flop from week to week. How can we as preteen leader prepare for the fact that we can’t anticipate preteen behavior? We need to be flexible to adjust our mindsets when it comes to the preteens. Be perceptive and agile to be able to change your game plan on the fly. Also have a bag of tricks to change things as you go. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Amanda Davis and Kathy Pitrat from Mt Zion UMC in Bel Air, Maryland about learning at conferences and implementing that information. A conference is not like anything else you might do to get ideas for your ministry. By setting aside time away from distractions you are able to take in so much more. They started by thinking it was a luxury to be given the opportunity to attend the conference but later realized it was really a necessity. They came away from the conference with a bunch of ideas that were very doable and a very quick change. Upon returning from the conference they offer some of the ideas that they were able to put into practice. Two things they learned and took away including allowing the preteens to make decisions and be leaders over an aspect of your ministry as well as developing relationships with the preteens through simple things like games and question of the day. Conferences are beneficial when you can take what you learned while attending and turn around and implement it into your ministry upon return. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about sanctification in the preteens in your ministry. What can we do to come along side of our preteens and help them to become sanctified? When we teach the preteens lives, we tend to want to see the application that the lesson can be used in their lives. There are benefits to application, but his hope is more for transformation. Transformation is a more holistic response because it applies to all aspects heart, mind and soul. It is deeper and more meaningful for them to be transformed by what they learn. Sean has seen the difficulty in getting preteens to apply the truths that they hear to their lives. They have recently found a magic word and that is “so”. This word can help you to have discussions with your preteens about transformation in their lives after they have heard facts and truths to tie it to. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 portion of the Peer Group Level 2 discussions recently regarding their most engaging lessons. During the most recent Peer Group Level 2 meeting, Patrick Snow asked the attendees what their most engaging lesson was recently. Through the groups discussion there were some interesting ideas of the needs of our preteens these days. Some ideas you wouldn’t even think about like, the basics of the bible or boys having self-esteem issues. Hopefully some of the ideas that you hear in today’s podcast will offer you some direction on lessons you might think about doing with your preteens. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about an activity to use with your preteens, the two-colored prayer. At a recent pastoral meeting the pastors were given a journal and two different colored pencils. The pastors were directed to write down their questions, thoughts or needs to God in one color and then sit a listen and try to perceive the Holy Spirit’s voice and write that response in the other color. It is great if this response is in the form of a scripture but if not still write down what is perceived and then go back and see if it goes along with scripture or confirm with a more mature Christian. This is a great tool for even the preteens. Sean actually plans to use it with the preteen leadership students. Allowing them to do the activity and share if they would like what they feel the Holy Spirit was saying to them. An easy activity for you to do or something to have your preteens do and all you need are two colored pencils and a piece of paper. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 routine in your ministry can bring about so many positive results. It is the idea of what can be done during our normal service that isn’t normal. For Zach it is his different special events like the “Pre-winter Party” or “Breksgiving” which are done during there normal service time. These are themed events that allow the preteens to invite their 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 is amazing is the amount of participation that you will get with these types of events, the preteens really enjoy having a chance to be something different. It is also a great opportunity to develop character. So how could you change up your routine slightly and add in a themed event to allow your preteens a chance to invite friends? Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Dan Istvanik at Victory Church in Lancaster, PA about learning from Fortnite. Dan recently wrote an article about Fortnite. It wasn’t the standard discussion about whether you should be using Fortnite in your ministry. Instead Dan asked the question of why is Fortnite so popular. Like anything that is popular in the preteen population it is a great idea to ask the question of why it is so popular. That question can help us to meet the needs of our preteens better. Dan writes for ministrytoparents.com. Two things stuck out to Dan during his research for the article. 1.       There is a risk of reward element to the game that taps into a preteens brain. We are all built to feel like we need to be rewarded. Your brain easily becomes addicted to something that you get a sense of reward from. Fortnite offers a risk, a reward, a prize and an emotional high which draws them into it. 2.       Popularity really surged during the summer months. This is when students are looking for community because they are out of school and away from their friends. Fortnite offered them an opportunity to connect with other. It gave them a social network online and offline. Dan and Sean discuss how thinking about these two things can help us in ministry to create a space that ministers to the felt needs of our preteens. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 talk about video announcements. When ministries have announcements, there are two basic ways during service to go about this: video announcements or live announcements. The problem with live announcements is they can quickly use up a ton of time. A plan for 2 minutes of announcements can quickly turns in to a lot more because we want to make sure the information is clear and that the students know everything about everything. Here are 3 reasons why video announcements are better: 1.       It takes less time, 2.       You can make sure ahead of time that everything you want to say is said, and 3.       it is more engaging and more can be done with video announcements. Announcements can be way more interesting and gather the preteens attention better than live announcements. Makenna and Sean talk about some different options for doing video announcements, even with limited time and budget. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Scott Santee from Indiana who works with churches and organizations to bring water filters to poverty-stricken places around the world. Getting preteens involved in raising money for those in poverty around the world can be an abstract concept for them. Having something that makes this idea more concrete allows them to understand it better. Allowing your preteens to see a water filter in action could fire them up to raise money to fund a water project in another country. Scott explains how the practicality of the filters allows preteens to see how they can make a difference in other kids lives around the world. By offering something that helps leaders change the lives of preteens while in turn the preteens are saving the lives of these children all over. teams have distributed filters to 9-countries in Central America and Caribbean area, but the filters are being currently used in 62-countries around the world. If you want more information about the Kids Clean Water Project click here. The project is fully customizable to what you feel would work with your ministry. Scott is also available via email at [email protected].  Click here to watch a 2-minute demo. Click here for a 3-minute video you can show your preteens about these water filters. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about having a service focused on cleaning up the church. To clean up a giant cardboard maze which was spread over 5 different locations with 40+ preteens during a Sunday morning service sounds like an awful idea. It turned out to be an amazing service with every preteen being fully engaged in the activity. The service began with a short message about being “Doers of the Word; not just hearers.”  Allowing the students to put into action what they heard allowed them to see how the Word comes to life. Has anyone else done a service Sunday with your preteens? If so please let us know in the comment section what you did, and how it went. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Dan Scott the author of “Caught in Between: Engage Your Preteens Before They Check Out” and is on staff with Orange. Children’s pastors across the country are seeing a decrease in number of students when they reach 4th and 5th grade. Dan discusses the practicalities of adding a preteen ministry into your church even if you don’t have the resources, you can DO SOMETHING! Doing nothing, is helping no one. Doing something can be just an event focused on the preteens or having a small group leader who can facilitate the hard and deep conversations on the preteens level. Everyone can do something to enhance their ministry to preteens. Elevate the kids and make them feel like they are the church of today and that will go really far. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Chris Santos the 6th grade, Pastor in Elevate regarding the production of Dry Bones. One of the visions of the 6th grade ministry was to get the 6th graders more involved in the process of the ministry. The 6th graders were part of an illustrated message, which was only part of the actual service. This is taking the idea of having students act out a portion of your message when you call them up front, to having the students dance, sing and speak after weeks of practice and rehearsals. There are so many benefits that can come from doing something like this. There is an impact on the students when they are a part of this small team doing a performance like this. Allowing students to feel like God is using their talents to speak to others can be very beneficial for their growth as well. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Zach Matchett about having a multisite preteen ministry. Zach runs the preteen ministry for a church that has 11 sites of which 7 have preteen ministries. Through consistency, ability to work for any size environment, and adaptability the same information can be used at all of the preteen ministry at the various sites. By making the information fit for whatever the environment the leader might encounter, be it a portable (shared) facility or a set space, having the resources that they will need to succeed is most important to the success of a multisite preteen ministry. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Eddie Aviles from Washington about persistence in prayer. Two years ago, Eddie and Sean met at the Northwest Ministry Conference in Washington. At the time Eddie’s church offered no preteen specific ministry but Eddie had a passion for preteens. Coming up on November 29, Eddie’s church is launching their preteen specific ministry. Eddie began as a volunteer 5-years ago at the church working in the K-5th grade ministry. Eddie could see that there was a difference in the learning and conversations with the 4th and 5th graders. The preteens have always been on his heart and he felt a calling for them. Eddie began planting seeds in church leadership and parents about his vision for a preteen ministry. By asking parents who were enthusiastic about the idea to pray, the vision continued to grow. After 5 years of vision casting about his dream, and many times of wondering if it would ever happen, Eddie persisted in prayer and sharing his vision. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Louie from Morningstar Community Church in Oregon about a Q&A Panel he does in his ministry. Once a quarter Louie brings in pastors and leaders from the church to answer serious and silly questions from the 4th and 5th graders. This allows leaders in the church to see how deep the 4th and 5th graders are thinking. It also allowed the preteens to see different leaders and levels of pastors and leadership coming in to invest in them. Louie has done this for the last couple of years once a quarter and the event is always themed. One of the events was pastors, and he brought in pastors like the Senior pastor, youth, worship, college, pastors from all areas of the church. Another event was living out their faith in school and Louie brought in teachers from the church. Two Sundays before the panel Sunday he will have the preteens write down their questions so that he has them ready for the panel, also allowing him to weed through the questions. Most of the time Louie has just sprung the questions on the panel the day of, but this most recent event he sent the questions to them ahead of time because they were deeper, and he wanted scriptural backing for the answers. Louie is the moderator of the questions and he also reminds the students that they brought the panel in to answer the question, so the students don’t attempt to answer. Having this type of event allows the pastors and leaders to become more real to the preteens and it opens the eyes of the pastors and leaders to who the preteens actually are. Here are some of the questions Louie’s preteens asked during the last Panel: Did Jesus have a choice to love us? How long did Adam and Eve live? How do I know other people believe in Jesus? How does God know us all? Why is the cross shaped like that? How do you know if someone is growing in God? When did you accept Jesus? Is it possible to come back alive? How did Jesus come back alive? Will I pick my age in heaven? What's heaven like? Is it true that heaven has golden streets? How do we stay connected to Jesus? Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 small group night that took place in Elevate recently with the 4th and 5th graders. Over a couple weeks leading up to the event the Small Groups discussed ideas of things they would like to do together as a group on this specific night. For example, Makenna’s small group decided to go to John’s Incredible Pizza which is a all you can eat pizza and arcade type place. Other groups did the mall, ice skating, frozen yogurt and arcade/ Each group chose something they all wanted to do together. Sean’s group wanted to just hang out at one of the boys houses to eat pizza and play video games and after go watch one of the other boys in the group play in his football game. Everybody enjoyed themselves and it had a different feel that a normal event night because it was just the Small Group. They are able to bring friends as well. This is the first time Elevate has done this and they learned some things from this time. On the podcast, Makenna and Sean discuss what they learned: 1. It’s good to have another adult present, whether it is another small group leader or even one of the parents. 2. It is important to know what each of the small group leaders is doing for their event so when parents ask what their kid will be doing you are able to respond with the appropriate information. 3. Give the groups some set choices up front, this is to limit the expense of the event. Small Group Night was a nice time to have little to no agenda but offer a time to build relationship with the students. It offers a great connection time between leaders and students that will allow for better overall discussion in the long run in their small groups. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 about a recent lesson idea he used in Elevate called Sleuth It Up. As part of an ongoing preteen series called 30 Pictures of Jesus, Sean’s preteen group is taking a look through the book of Luke at various pictures of who Jesus is. Part of this journey was a lesson called Sleuth It Up. The students were invited to come dressed as detectives or spies. During Preservice time, there was a mystery needing to be unraveled. After the service started, preteens played a visual mysteries game with two buzzers. Then the message began with Sean asking the question: what are detectives searching for? (EVIDENCE) The Small Groups were given gallon size plastic Ziploc bags with an “Evidence” sticker on each bag and given 8 minutes to search for evidence that points to the existence of God and place in the bags. After the “Evidence” hunt they transitioned into the story of John who was looking for evidence to prove Jesus was who he said he was. John was in jail and couldn’t see what Jesus was doing and was suffering which caused doubt in his mind that Jesus truly was who he said he was. John sends his own “detectives” to ask Jesus, “Are you the one or should we be expecting someone else?” In Luke it states that Jesus performed many miracles and then told the “detectives” to bring the evidence back to John. The story led to a discussion about faith. As a visual illustration Sean brought up a student and had him stand on the edge of the stage. He asked the student if he trusted him enough to catch him if he fell backwards off the stage. The student was only a 9 on a scale of 1-10 but he acted as a 10 and fell backwards and Sean caught him. After some more discussion about their faith in God, the groups were allowed to send one person up to share one piece of evidence they had found earlier. As they left every student received a sandwich size bag with “Evidence” stickers to take home with them and continue their search for evidence that points to the existence of God. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 from Indiana, regarding the Small Group Tool Kit that his team has created. Sean first heard about this tool kit that Zach’s team created during a peer group meeting. Zach held it up and showed it off during the peer group video conference. This is one nice thing regarding peer groups, it allows you to see what others are using and get ideas that can help you in your own ministry. If you want more information about peer groups click here. The tool kit is a product brought about by the Life Group Pod and Communication Team at Northview Church to help the small group leaders to win. The tool kit is based on the book Lead Small and its five principles: be present, create a safe place, partner with parents, make it personal, and move them out. The tool kit includes tools for each of these principles. For “be present,” they included birthday cards. For “partner with parents,” It includes a blank business card for leaders to fill out. There’s even event reimbursement for them to attend student events. If you have questions or would like help creating your own small group tool kit you can contact Zach directly at [email protected]. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Mark one of the camp directors for Elevate last summer, about making up your own games. In Elevate over the summer, one of the camps had an element, which required the preteens in their groups to create a game. They created their game and then everyone participated in the game and voted for which one they liked the best. Mark actually created a game as well that sounds like it would not work but actually had great success with the preteens. The game was called “Gauntlet”. It is a mix of dodgeball and an elimination game. In the game, you have teams on the field separated at the midline with cones. One team has dodgeballs the catch being that everyone can have a dodgeball but they cannot have more than one and they cannot pick up another one ever, they are limited to the one ball throughout the game. This team is on one side of the field behind the midline. The other team on the other hand has no dodgeballs at all. That team actually has another objective. They are trying to move a secret “gauntlet” from one side to the other side of the field without the dodgeball team ever hitting the “gauntlet”. This is accomplished by having bodyguards moving with the “gauntlet” and keeping that person a secret. The bodyguards are limited to one life; if they are hit then they must leave the field.  The point was awarded to the team that was able to accomplish their objective. Another game that was created during Elevate’s Makers Camp was a game called “Sports Ball” which actually didn’t even use a ball. It was like ultimate Frisbee but they used a pool noodle. They threw the pool noodles like javelins through hula hoops that were hung up in trees on opposing ends of the playing field. Each team was trying to get the pool noodle to their hula hoop. When they had the pool noodle in their hand they couldn’t move but could pass to other players that were free to move.   Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Makenna about dividing and conquering in ministry. In Elevate this is done a lot on Sunday’s. In Elevate’s first Sunday service they divide out the 6th graders and send them to a separate room and Pastor Chris and his wife Jaime lead them. In Elevate’s Step Up service, discipleship service, the preteens are split 3-ways. The preteens in leadership go into their own space and then the remaining preteens are offered two other choices, like memorization or being a part of the church (All Time Greatest Team, Deeply Rooted Curriculum). Some of you might be concerned with the space you have, but Sean believes that even if Elevate’s space was limited they would still do it this way. There are benefits to splitting the preteens up: Connection and relationship building with the preteens because of the smaller group. Harder for preteens to go under the radar and be missed because there are less to be called on Able to change the delivery of the message based on the preteens that you have present (ie. Immature 4th graders compared to 5th or 6th grade leaders) More leadership opportunities with the need for more teachers Ownership of a ministry for your volunteers makes them more dedicated Offers preteens choices making them more invested in it Although preteen ministries are already divided by dividing even more you are allowing the preteens more choices and more investment into the ministry. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Kaye Allen, regarding the idea of prayer partners between the preteens and the adults of the church. Once a month the adults active in Kaye and her husband Harley’s class come in and partner up, 1-1 sometime 2-1, with the preteens in Elevate. The students each are given a simple prayer journal with a spot to write a prayer request and a spot for the partner to write a response back to them. The preteens, before the partners come in, write down their prayer request. When the adults come in they partner up with the same preteen each month, pray with them, and then take the preteens prayer journal with them to write back to the preteens. The adults write a response in the journal and give them back to Kaye, who in turn gives them to Sean so that they can be handed back out the next prayer Sunday. The kids are excited about it and look forward to prayer Sunday. Kaye explains that the idea came about from years of ministry and an email from Sean requesting for prayer for a preteen. When Kaye realized the heaviness that preteens are encountering these days she felt it was necessary for them to receive prayer. She felt that this was a great opportunity for the adult population of the church to come together with the preteens in the church one on one to share prayer requests. Kaye received feedback from one of the prayer Sundays about the experience of one of the adults who came to pray. The gentlemen prayed for the preteen and when they finished the preteen responded with what can I pray for you for. The adult offered up his prayer request and when they met this last month the preteen asked if God answered their prayer. The value was seen in coming together and praying because now the preteen is praying for the adult as well. There is value for the preteen in knowing there is an adult praying for them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 doorframe prayers. This was an idea thought up by Chris Santos, the 6th grade pastor in Elevate. The doorframe in the 6th grade ministry space is metal, and magnets will stick to it. Chris bought magnets and stuck stickers to them and invited the preteens to put a name on a magnet of a friend from school, the neighborhood, or sports teams that they would like to see walk through the doors of the ministry space. This is a great hook to get the preteens involved in the message of evangelism. Preteens are more engaged to invite people to church when they have a specific person in mind. If you offer a hook before you give the message the preteens will be more engaged in the message. So, in this case having them think of a friend beforehand makes it easier for them to understand the context of the message. So as Pastor Chris, in this case, was talking about evangelism the preteens are more engaged because they have a person in mind of who they want to evangelize too. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about an event Elevate had recently, Water Wars. This is a great idea that you could use when the weather is warm. Elevate was doing a lesson on Jesus being baptized and started the night off with a great preservice time, “Water Wars”. As the preteens arrived the kids they were put into groups of 12-15-18 and then pulled aside and assigned a team (blue, green or orange). Now that they were in their color teams the teams would travel around together to the different stations and compete against each other to earn points for their respective teams. Each group would go through an orientation and meet their team captain before moving onto the stations. The stations were the following: 1.       3 matchbox cars and 3 water guns: The teams would shoot their respective cars and try to move them down the strip of cement with only the water gun as its power. Meanwhile the rest of the kids in the group were trying to knock the cars off track using the splash bombs and a bucket of water. If the car got knocked off it had to start all over. The furthest down the track and the end of the time period was the winner and received 3 points, 2nd place 2 points and 3rd place 1 point. 2.       Water Balloon Toss: Preteens were partnered with someone else on their team and it was a competition to see who could have the largest gap between partners when they tossed it and not break the balloon was the winner. Again, the points awarded were 1st -3; 2nd -2; 3rd -1. 3.       3 sponges up: All teams competing at one time the leader would throw the sponge into the air and kids would catch them. Based on their team they would take the sponge and squeeze any remaining water into their respective bucket. At the end of the time whichever group had the most water in their bucket was the winner. Points again awarded were 1st -3; 2nd -2; 3rd -1. 4.       Sponges Bombs: Here the kids got to each create their own sponge bomb using a sponge and some string. If you go on google or pinterest you can look up the directions on how to make these. Whichever team created the most was the winner. Points again awarded were 1st -3; 2nd -2; 3rd -1. 5.       Water relay: Teams would line up with a bucket in front of them. The first person would scoop up water in their cup pour it over their head to the person behind them and try to get it into that person’s cup. This would continue to the end and then pour the remaining water in the bucket. At the end of the time the winner was the team with the most water in their bucket. Points again awarded were 1st -3; 2nd -2; 3rd -1. After all the rotations the kids took a break together with all the orange, blue and green kids now combining to make big orange, blue and green teams. While the students were taking a break, the field was set up for the actual water war. This was played like capture the flag except that it was “capture the towel” and instead of tagging people you were squirting them or throw water balloons. After adding the points from the stations, the team who had the most points, received the best part of the field along with the most forms of water arsenal. You could only get wet once you crossed into another teams’ zone. If they were able to get you wet, you became frozen for 10 seconds. Additionally, while you are frozen the team can continue to get you soaking wet until the 10 seconds are up at which time they had to return to their zone. After all of this fun everyone came together to hear a message about Jesus being baptized. This was a great set-up to the lesson, that Jesus was human and got wet like us and choosing to get wet he participated. It showed his great leadership that although he didn’t need to be baptized because he never sinned, he got into the water and stepped into the world with us. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected].

Today on the podcast, Sean speaks with Jacob Horn the children’s pastor from North Madison Christian Church out of Madison, Indiana, regarding the community wide VBS they offered. Jacob has 10-15 preteens at their church and have come up with a way to host a VBS for their kids without having to send them to another church. This concept of a community wide VBS has a long history in Madison. It started back in the 60’s when two different churches came together to do VBS for the kids. Today, much like then people contribute in many ways to the success of the VBS, meeting monthly to determine where they want to serve. Jacob and his wife Sara direct the elementary age, they create the stage design, take care of the teachers, take care of announcements, and the worship as well.  There is a separate person for the preschool age and an administrative director who contacts the staff and churches. Although there are different denominations represented the focus of the VBS is who Jesus is and the love that he has for them. There are so many benefits to the idea of community VBS, kids seeing other kids from their school that they might not know go to church, or the connections made between leaders and kids throughout the community, has become so impactful for the community. [email protected] or check out the churches website here http://northmadison.cc/. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Patrick Snow regarding the successful use of preteen volunteers. Patrick has successfully chosen preteens for years and brought them up on stage as volunteers while working with Superstart!. The ability to bring a preteen up on stage and interact with the lesson has been a very successful tool. The risk of bringing a preteen on stage to help demonstrate something in the lesson is a risk that has to be taken because it will make the lesson that much more successful. 1.       Be incredibly clear what you are asking a preteen to come and do before even inviting them on stage. 2.       Don’t pick the first hand that comes up. Be choosy in who you pick as a volunteer. By choosing the preteen that will fit what you want to happen on stage will help in the delivery of the message. 3.       Never make the preteen feel like they did something wrong if they come up and don’t do what you needed them to do.  Try to turn whatever they have done into a win. Sometimes you might need to guide them into the answer that you want them to give. If you want more information about CIY’s Superstart! check out their website https://www.ciy.com/superstart/456 Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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, regarding the importance of framing things. The idea behind framing is setting up a message or a game so that your explanation allows the audience to know what is going to happen. It is the concept of setting the tone for what you are expecting to happen. This can be helpful for some students because their mindset it is helpful to know ahead of time what the plan is. It also allows preteens to know what they might be volunteering for because in their eagerness to be involved they don’t realize what it might entail. By giving the preteens or anyone else in the ministry your expectation of them it puts them at ease and makes sure they are the right volunteer for what you need. By diving in without setting your expectation you have the potential of having to solve the problem during the middle instead of having it handled ahead of time. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Makenna about the use of virtual lost and found to let parents know what stuff was left behind from camp. After the very first summer camp this past summer Elevate had so much left behind items from campers. This could have either cost a headache for the whole summer or bring about a fix, because lost items and preteens just goes together. Makenna wanted to come up with an idea of how she could let parents know how much the kids were actually leaving behind. Unfortunately, she didn’t think that a long email would even be read by the parents, so she had to come up with a plan to make them aware. This brought about the idea of taking pictures of the items in categories and attached those to one short email at the end of camp. This allowed the parents to do a virtual lost and found tour of what was left behind. The email gave instructions for parents of how to claim the items as well. What was nice was that the items were categorized (water bottles, towels, tshirts…) which allowed parents to focus in on specifically what their preteen might have left. When it came to the retrieval of the lost items, the clearer directions that you can give to the parents the better. IF you won’t be in the office on a specific day make sure you note that, so parents are not showing up and no one is there to help them. Parents are appreciative of the ease that a virtual lost and found offers but it can be a time-consuming process. This also allows for you to put a time frame on when these items need to be picked up by before you will be donating them. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 the idea of scraping small groups…kind of from your service. Sunday mornings used to be all about the small groups for Elevate. Recently there was a change to that. Elevate still uses small groups on Wednesday night but Sunday’s there has been a shift away from that. Sunday mornings had a weird thing that continued to happen, a group would have 6 or 7 preteens one week and the next week would have 1 or none and there was no consistency to the numbers that would attend from the roster. The inconsistency with the preteens and on the flip side the inconsistency of the leaders that who were committed but would have something come up. For this reason, Elevate decided to scrap small groups on Sunday mornings. This does not mean that the preteens don’t meet and have a discussion time in small groups of people. It just means that consistent, scheduled small groups are no longer an element in those services. That relationship development that would occur in a long-term group dynamic does not occur during the Sunday mornings but does occur on Wednesday nights. The new look on Sunday includes tables with a leader at each table. By using two different color chairs they are able to distinguish the specific seat the leader will sit in compared to the rest of the chairs the preteens sit in. The preteens then have the opportunity to sit at whatever table they want to sit at. They can sit with a specific leader or a group of friends, but they cannot add or remove chairs from a table. This allows for Elevate to end up with good size groups every week. This also allows them to not be concerned with the consistency in the groups while still allowing for the small group discussion dynamic to occur. This idea is working well because it still limits the amount of preteens in a group while making sure there is not just one student you are trying to have a discussion with. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 Patrick Snow about the use of “Salvation Building Blocks” to teach the salvation message. Patrick discusses how Superstart, this last season, began using three building blocks (blue, red and yellow) or as they call them “Building Blocks”. These three building blocks have different words written on them, Blue = God, Red = Jesus & Yellow = Us. He explains how using the blocks they were able to show 1000’s of preteens the salvation message with some they could physically hold in their hands. By explaining that we were meant to be connected to God and having the preteens connect the two blocks together they get the visual representation of our relationship with God. They show our separation from God because of sin by having the preteens separate the blocks. They then discuss Jesus and how his death on the cross and allows us to be connected back to God. They would end the message by having the preteens connect the red block under the blue block and finally connect the yellow block to the red block thus giving them the perfect picture of what Jesus does for us. Elevate used them this summer for a day camp and Sean followed the step by step video offered by Superstart. The popularity of these blocks has been more than Superstart ever expected. Patrick explains that he believes they are so popular because of the hands-on aspect of them. Preteens learn so much better when they have the interaction component. They are also helpful because preteens already know what a building block is. It isn’t something that you have to explain to them because they already have that internal connection as to how the blocks connect. Finally, they are popular because it gives the preteens an easy way to go out and share the gospel message with their friends using the blocks. It makes the gospel accessible to the preteens. If you would like to use these “Building Blocks” for your ministry go to the following website and order some blocks for free. https://www.ciy.com/superstart/456 Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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 we all have limits and those limits are necessary and OK. You have big dreams of what your ministry can be and how God can work through you. Unfortunately, God did not give us no limits in our lives. This might seem contrary to what scripture says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When you look at these scriptures you don’t see it suggesting that God is writing us a blank check saying you have no limits. There are limits in the number of hours in a day. Putting Philippians 4:13 into context we see that Paul talks about being hungry, being well fed, he learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. He didn’t say that he can do miraculous things, like feeding 10,000 people before noon. We are not all called to the same things. We have limits of what we are capable of doing and that is ok. This summer the leadership team in Elevate bumped up against some of their limits. Knowing that we have these limits where should we live, should we live right on the edge of our limits and pushing up against at all times or should we have a buffer. Living at your boundary doesn’t allow for room when unexpected events happen.  We don’t operate at those limits, but we leave some margin between what we can accomplish and what God can accomplish through us and leave some room with where we operate all the time. But there is the extreme that if you pull so far away from the boundary that you aren’t doing anything at all. Figure out what that comfortable margin is where you can work and time to time things might push us out to our limits, but we don’t plan to operate there. Limits are good because it gives us a chance to show God we trust him. It gives us a chance to say I am not God, who is limitless, I can only do so much. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Jaime Santos a psychologist, who alongside of her husband Pastor Chris run the 6th grade ministry in Elevate. She was on today to discuss the concept of enforceable statements. Enforceable statements are a great disciplinary technique that will help ministries. This is a concept that comes from Love and Logic, and it has been successfully used by many parents. Basically, an enforceable statement is something that you as the leader says that you will allow a student to do. For example, a simple statement like “the car leaves at 8” just means that the car will leave at 8 this is what is happening. The concept involves stating what you as the leader will be doing instead of trying to control the behaviors individually. Easy way to remember enforceable statements is how they start, “I will”, “I allow”, “I give.” When thinking about the small group times and getting individuals to stop bad behavior could use a statement like “students who chose to not listen will need to talk to me afterwards.” These types of statements are generalized for the whole group instead of individualized because this is a rule we have set in place for every student. Students tend to feel like they are being called out when they are acting up but by generalizing the statement you are setting a value to what you expect from them. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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, a pastor at a church in Texas and a writer for Deeply Rooted Curriculum, regarding the idea of renewing your passion for preteen ministry. By stepping out of the leadership role and stepping down into the trenches and being on the level with the students. For Sean that meant giving up all his leadership roles at camp this summer and passing those off to other leadership and becoming a cabin leader. It was an amazing week of ministry, allowing him to walk away with a renewed mindset of why he is doing what he is doing in ministry. Hannah had a similar renewing experience this summer. Hannah also runs the 1st -3rd grade at the church and this pulls her away from the preteens. This summer she decided she wanted to step back into the preteen side of the ministry. She normally delegates out the one on one time and teaching roles to others because it works. She decided she wanted to “dig back down to roots” of preteen ministry and take 3-weeks and teach both services this summer. It had its challenges on the logistics side, but it has been a refreshing start going into the fall. It rejuvenates your passion for why you do what you do. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. 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, 5th/6th grade pastor, from a church in Central Indiana, called Northview Church a multi-site church. Zach discusses this concept known as T.H.P., short for Take Home Point. This is one statement, one question, or one commandment that the students will take away from the message and be a springboard for a discussion as a family. During their message using part of the teaching time to get some interaction from the students helps them to be engaged in the lesson. Northview uses a table group/small group model for their Sunday morning setup. When closing the service out in their small groups the final question always is, what was the THP and why was it important? By taking the memorization concept one step further in a message and asking why something was important to what they learned helps the message to be more impactful. Additionally, Zach has recently added in the question, how does this challenge me to live differently, to the students during small group time. By focusing on one point there is a greater chance of successfully getting the students to take home what they learned. They are able to focus in on one idea instead of 2 or 3. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Makenna discusses four lessons she learned as Camp Director for Elevates day camps this summer. Lesson #1: People Over Program. When camp is really about the campers you will do just about anything to serve the campers. Maybe that is rescheduling the day because it is too hot out or offering a camper an extra snack because they are so hungry. Remembering that program and schedule is great, but the most important element of camp is the campers. Lesson #2: Swimming vs. Lifeguarding. Being “in the water” with the campers is a great way to build relationships but being at that level all the time causes you to miss issues that are out of sight. Although “sitting on the lifeguard tower” may feel like you are distancing yourself from them in reality it is putting you in a better position to see what is going on. It gives you a different perspective of the situation. Lesson #3: Power of Debrief: Sitting down after camp and debriefing with your team is great to learn new ideas for things the following year. It has a tendency to help promote a smoother program for future events. Although some things that might come up might be hard to discuss, in the long run your system will be impacted positively because of it. Lesson #4: You Need Boundaries: Flexibility is great, and you might be prone to push yourself to be everywhere at once. But then you find out in reality that is absolutely impossible. Setting boundaries and relying on your team will help you to not burn yourself out half way through camp. Build a team, use them and allow yourself some time set aside to relax. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Makenna discusses four lessons she learned as Camp Director for Elevates day camps this summer. Lesson #1: People Over Program. When camp is really about the campers you will do just about anything to serve the campers. Maybe that is rescheduling the day because it is too hot out or offering a camper an extra snack because they are so hungry. Remembering that program and schedule is great, but the most important element of camp is the campers. Lesson #2: Swimming vs. Lifeguarding. Being “in the water” with the campers is a great way to build relationships but being at that level all the time causes you to miss issues that are out of sight. Although “sitting on the lifeguard tower” may feel like you are distancing yourself from them in reality it is putting you in a better position to see what is going on. It gives you a different perspective of the situation. Lesson #3: Power of Debrief: Sitting down after camp and debriefing with your team is great to learn new ideas for things the following year. It has a tendency to help promote a smoother program for future events. Although some things that might come up might be hard to discuss, in the long run your system will be impacted positively because of it. Lesson #4: You Need Boundaries: Flexibility is great, and you might be prone to push yourself to be everywhere at once. But then you find out in reality that is absolutely impossible. Setting boundaries and relying on your team will help you to not burn yourself out half way through camp. Build a team, use them and allow yourself some time set aside to relax. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast?  Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks about a way to connect to preteens who are sporty or athletic. By being relevant about what the preteens life is all about and helping them make a connection between what their lives are about and God who created all of life. There are preteens in our ministry that come and we aske them to do crafts and sit or walk around the room and have discussions but are athletically minded kids. So, the question then becomes how you help them know that church is a place for them. Sean gives some ideas to help you reach these preteens. Allow preteens to play an active sport, basketball in a gym or soccer on the grass outside before service. Limited space? Try gaga ball or 9-square. Have a boys’ night that was about games and they played sports. This ideas from Tom: a parent night that is a competition between preteens and parents. This was an event that he held for the preteens in his ministry. The sport does not matter just use one the preteens are into. VBS style Monday through Friday day camp that focused on sports. By finding people in your church who may play different sports that are willing to come direct them in the sports. Incorporate sports into your lesson is another great idea. Whenever giving an example you can use sports to make it more relevant to them. Offer a themed lesson that uses a sports emphasis. So how do you reach the sporty/athletic kids in your ministry. We would love for you to share some of your ides. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Robert Quinn who is involved in the FourFiveSix Level 3 Peer Group. Robert just started a week ago, a Facebook community page for FourFiveSix. This came out of the thought that community and communication among ministries was a necessary aspect that the peer group felt was needed in preteen ministry. After just one-week people have already started sharing curriculum ideas and sharing summer VBS ideas. It offers a place to share pictures of things that are happening in your ministry. It is all about community. The vision behind it was a place for preteen leaders and pastors could come together and share ideas, thoughts, prayers for each other, and connect with each other. One thing that Robert has learned while ministering with his wife is networking and community is the best way to grow. By reaching out to others and sharing with one and another you can grown your ministry. People are the best resources when it comes to preteen ministry. If you are interested in joining the Facebook community click here. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 lesson idea that was used in Elevate this last Sunday. This was a lesson that Sean used as the new 4th graders started this last Sunday. The ministry is called Elevate which is for 4th, 5th & now 6th graders. Sean wanted to share this lesson because there might be some ideas that you could use in your own ministry. The lesson was all about how we are all elevaters. In fact, everyone elevates something. As part of the lesson Sean showed pictures and videos of people elevating something. One of the pictures was people standing holding signs before a Justin Bieber concert and they were obviously elevating Justin Bieber. He also showed a bedroom decorated in all San Francisco Giants décor, and it was obvious to the preteens this person was elevating the Giants. Additionally, they showed a video of kids doing some dances from Fort Nite and it was also obvious to the preteens what they were elevating. It allowed a discussing about what it means to elevate things, to extol them or raise them up. They looked at Psalm 145, at the beginning it talks about extoling God and at the end it also says that he is extoling God. By looking at Psalm 145, the preteens were able to underline all the words that state why we should elevate God. There is a ton of them in Psalm 145! The preteens were given note cards. They wrote “God” at the top of and then wrote why they would want to elevate God. Sean then offered them straws which signified ways they could elevate God. Using the card, straws and tape they were tasked with trying to get the index card with God written on it high in the air. The challenge was to see which group would be the first to create an elevator that would raise God up to the roof. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 Clint May out of Benbrook, Texas about the L.I.T. program that he created. Clint describes the history of what brought him to start the L.I.T. program. Through his years in ministry, he has seen such a change in the preteens and their families and as a result of giving them opportunities to lead in ministry. The LIT program now takes multiple churches on missions trips each year and has resources for 1st-6th grade. Clint is most proud of the preteen devotionals and how well they work. All this information can be found by going to www.leadersintraining.com. There is free information including a spiritual gifts test for preteens. And they are currently setting up online training that will be free. By equipping preteens to serve Christ they are able to make a difference in others. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. 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 an excerpt from Karl Bastian’s session at the 2018 Preteen Leaders’ Online Conference. Karl explains how adults in churches are reluctant to serve, only about 20%. On the other hand, if you ask the preteens in your ministry to help, the numbers are much higher; Karl has even seen 100%. Preteens want to help. If we don’t train up kids and teens to serve, then why would we expect them to serve as adults. We train them to come to church and sit and watch versus training them know to serve, get it in their DNA when they are young, and we won’t be hunting down volunteers to help out. Karl recalls a mentor who challenged him whether he was a performer or a trainer. The goal is that we get the willingness to serve in their DNA because many will go into ministry when they get older because they got a taste when they were younger and enjoyed it. Church becomes a place where they ask to serve because it was a part of who they are. We are discipling them and part of being a disciple is doing God’s work. Kids can set an example for others in the church. The disciples were actually young but look at the differences they were able to make in our world. Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.