If you have ever looked around during a children's service or a Sunday/Wednesday night program it becomes obvious pretty quickly that there is an age group that feels a bit out of place at times. It's the 5th and 6th graders. Now don't get me wrong. I love this age group personally. They are beginning to mature and can grasp abstract ideas. They have developed a good sense of humor and aren't afraid to joke around with you. But they also feel to old to do motions to songs, or participate in the fun but child like activities at times. This causes an awkwardness for them because they feel they belong but at the same time they don't.
An obvious solution to this is to give the 5th and 6th graders their own ministry. Allow them have their own services, programs, events. But the majority of churches today aren't able to support another minister, and space just for this age group. So the question we, as children's ministers, should be asking is how can we connect and stay engaged with this age group through these "awkward years", as they prepare to enter into the youth ministry? Like I said I love interacting with preteens and here are some strategies I have used to keep them engage and excited in our children's ministry, while still providing lessons and Biblical truths on their level.
1) Talk and connect with them specifically on their level. Now of course as a children's minister, you should try to connect with all ages. But walking into a conversation with preteens and talking about the coolest new Disney movie, Lego set, or Barbie isn't always going to work. At this age kids are involved in sports, band, and different movies/books. I can't tell you how many of our preteen girls are obsessed with the Hunger Games right now. Make sure you stay on relevant topics with this age group.
2) Give them special events. While the majority of our events are targeted toward the overall K-6th grade, we have several specific events each year just for our preteens. Whether it is going swimming at a church members house, a Preteen weekend (just like a DNOW) or something else, give the preteens something special for them. This shows you care, and are consciously providing ways for them to spend time together and in God's word on their level. Also I always have a end of the summer event as a special "going away" present to our 6th graders.
3) Give them jobs. That's right give the preteens jobs in your ministry. Need some help with music in children's church? Grab some of your faithful preteens and let them help an adult lead music. Need someone to game carry supplies or clean up after a game? Get a clean up team of preteens. The list could go on but the point is clear. Giving the preteens ownership of the ministry through small jobs relays a message of their importance to you, the children's minister.
So how are you going to keep preteens engaged in your ministry? Please share any ideas below in the comments section.
