Ministry to Preteens

Preteens are unique. They need—and deserve—their own ministry curriculum. Here are 5 important ways our custom curriculum meets preteen needs:  

1) Preteens are beginning to think for themselves.  

As younger kids, they simply accepted a lot as “truth”. Now, they’re asking questions and considering things from multiple angles. This new questioning nature can naturally extend to matters of faith.

This questioning is good! It’s healthy. Preteens need support to work through their questions and arrive at an authentic, deeply rooted faith.

2) Preteens are in transition from childhood to adolescence.  

No longer kids, preteens are still not quite teenagers. They're constantly developing, always in transition. And the change pervades all the areas of their lives: cognitive, physical, social, emotional and—importantly—spiritual.

The changes can be as rapid as they are profound. Excellent preteen ministry curriculum respects and embraces this reality.

3) Preteens want to "own" their relationship with Jesus.  

Yes, it is possible for preteens to “own” their relationship with Jesus. They’re ready and willing!

They can notice God’s action in their own lives. They can develop habits of prayer, worship, and Bible reading. In short, they are equipped to nurture their own relationship with God. They are ready to “own” it.

4) Preteens need a coach, not just a teacher. 

As ministry leaders, we must foster an environment for God to move in the lives of preteens. In this respect, our role is less like a teacher, and more like a coach.

Many preteen ministry leaders think of themselves as teachers, imparting information, helping their students to “get it”. And teaching is part of the job, to be sure. But it’s just the beginning of the job.

A coach guides and encourages. They equip others for success. Ultimately, however, a coach sits on the sidelines. It is the players who must put all the coaching and the teaching into action. 

And they will make mistakes. So the coaching continues, and over time the preteen grows into a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

5) Preteens learn by doing.  

How often do you hear people rave about the impressive listening skills of preteens? The fact is that preteens learn much better by doing than by listening.

Preteens love to play games, use their hands, feel the rush of surprise and action. To be really open to any process, it helps for preteens to feel that they are a part of it from beginning to end.

Our preteen curriculum is loaded with fun-tested games and hands-on activities that feed the restless and active preteen spirit.