Posted on October 21st, 2009
As you know, preteen ministry can’t be done alone. It is important to first build a team. I described how to do this in How to Build a Dream Team, an older post closer to the bottom of the Lessons Learned page. If you haven’t read it, check it out before reading any further. Priority [...]
Posted on October 21st, 2009
You can’t plan and execute events alone. I’ve tried in the past and ended up sick, exhausted, burned out and in need of therapy. Build a team around you and lift the burden of getting it all done yourself. First, recruit a volunteer event coordinator who is the point person on each event. The event [...]
Posted on October 21st, 2009
Every summer we host a weekend retreat exclusively for preteens. Several years ago we stopped inviting 4th-6th graders to VBS, but instead invited them to a three (or sometimes four) day retreat. We were growing rapidly needing more space and also felt VBS was too kiddie for 4th-6th graders. It’s the biggest and most effective [...]
Posted on October 21st, 2009
There was a time when I hosted an event about once a month. I was single, had no life outside of ministry and didn’t have a very healthy emotional or spiritual life either. I wouldn’t recommend hosting that many events. You got to figure out what works best for you. After experimenting for yours, I’ve [...]
Posted on October 21st, 2009
I like to go over the top in everything I do in preteen ministry. I like the WOW factor and want to do things with excellence. But sometimes I go overboard. One year at a weekend preteen retreat, I spent hours planning tons of cool games. They were very sophisticated and took up lots of [...]
Posted on October 17th, 2009
On a Friday night many years ago our preteen ministry hosted its very first game night. We had recently created a ministry specifically for 4th-6th graders and thought that a fun relationship building event would be a cool idea. Preteens were encouraged to bring friends. However, our weekend attendance was small and we expected about [...]
Posted on October 17th, 2009
Ever wish you could connect with other preteen leaders and ask them what works? What programs or ideas have been successful for others? Well, look no further. Below are a few responses from preteen leaders from around the country: At the start of 2008 we started a specific preteen ministry at Hillsong Church called Voltage. [...]
Posted on October 17th, 2009
Your biggest strengths can also be your biggest weaknesses. It can be a double edged sword. I’ve been chewing on this thought all week. Two of my biggest strengths are the ability to get things done and great people skills. When it comes to preteen ministry, I am a doer. Planning life-changing events, developing creative [...]
Posted on October 17th, 2009
Three quick tips to keep in mind when putting together a plan to pastor preteens: 1. Parents It is easy for preteens to where a mask and parents are the key to uncovering it. Preteens want you to think all is okay at home, school and with their friends. But if they have a pulse, [...]
Posted on October 17th, 2009
When first launching a new preteen ministry ten years ago, I was on my hands and knees before God asking Him to show me what to do. I was completely clueless, but knew God would give me the needed wisdom, direction, and strength. Making a lot of mistakes along the way, I began to get [...]
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