Preteen Church In Schools
Written by Ryan Senters
I am a big advocate for students to start changing their schools for Christ through starting a Christian club on their campus. Preteens can lead beyond the walls of the church. To be honest, this is sometimes challenging but it is worth the investment. I have helped high school, junior high, and even preteen students start clubs on their campus, so I know it is possible and effective. Currently, I have 3 different preteens who have started or are in the final stages of starting a Christian club at their school. I even have two 6th grade student leaders who will be leading a Christian club at a 6-7-8 middle school! Yes, preteens can extend the walls of the church into their schools.
Note: Read other articles Ryan has written on the topic of preteen student leadership.
Here are some steps that I have used to help our preteens:
1. PRAY!
Pray alone, with your leaders, and with the students. Pray for favor with the administration to be supportive with the club. I have had several schools deny or stall the formation club because it is a religious group. The enemy doesn’t want this to happen…but God is bigger than that!
2. Identify preteens who want to start a club.
Almost even time students have approached me for help. If the preteen can find a friend or two to help them that is always best. Jesus sent his disciples out 2 by 2…we should too!
3. Have the preteen talk with the administration of the school to learn the process of starting a club (e.g., paperwork on develop of club bylaws, name, purpose, plan, schedule).
4. Preteen must find a sponsoring teacher who will host the club in their classroom.
In public schools, teachers can’t lead the club but they can be present and be a support system for the students. Finding a supportive teacher is crucial. They are the ones that can help the process, navigate the school districts red tape, and provide the meeting space. Currently, one teacher meets weekly with a group of students to help plan for the coming week.
5. Decide on the club schedule and time.
I have had clubs meet at lunch, during extra-curricular times, and before/after school. Sometimes doing the club for 6-8 weeks per semester is best. It is an attainable goal for the preteen and less of a commitment for the other students and teacher. It gives time to evaluate and regroup for the next club session next semester.
6. Decide on how the club is going to be run.
Will the club include a game, snack, worship? Will there be a student lead lesson? I have found the best club format for this age group to be a student lead discussion. I have a few small group resources that our preteens use. For example, I have an all girls Christian club starting that focusing on a student lead discussion followed by making some sort of craft that relates to the lesson. The girls are loving it and a lot of girls are showing up!
7. Have preteens develop promotional material for the club.
I love having them make the promo material. The more they do the better!
8. Encourage the preteens efforts.
Be their biggest cheerleader! Help out at the school if you can. Attend the club meetings if allowed.
9. Tell God Stories!
Have the preteens share with the group about their club and what God is doing. This inspires other preteens to do the same thing! God’s work is contagious!
It’s possible for preteens to extend the walls of the church into schools! It starts to change a school for Christ and deepens the faith of the preteens leading this endeavor. It is a worthwhile investment, I promise.
If you have any questions or want more details give me a shout.
Ryan Senters lives in Chandler, AZ with his wife where they raise their 2 year old daughter and 1 year old foster son. Ryan has worked with youth from 5th grade to college students and he is currently the preteen pastor for 250+ students at Cornerstone Chandler.