IMPROVING A PRETEEN MINISTRY THROUGH EVENTS: Part 1

On a Friday night many years ago our preteen ministry hosted its very first game night. We had recently created a ministry specifically for 4^th-6^th 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 30 preteens to show up. I was short on volunteers and had only two other leaders besides myself at the event. Not to worry I thought, I had at least a 10-1 ratio. To my amazement over 80 preteens showed up! It was one wild night that I will never forget!

Despite almost losing a few kids, the two volunteers almost quitting, losing my voice by the end of the night, fearing that my pastor would fire me for lack of logistical skills and waking up the next day with every muscle in my body soar – something magical happened that night. I could sense the preteens in our group were different. New friendships were made and it created an awesome dynamic at the weekend services. In small group, preteens for the first time shared openly and honestly talked about their struggles. They were more open to share prayer requests and pray for one another. Church was beginning to be a safe place where they could do life TOGETHER with God in the picture. It was a place where preteens shared fears, doubts and questions about God and life. Another cool thing happened. Preteens started bringing their friends to church! Tons of those 80 kids were friends of preteens who attended our weekend services. Having such an awesome time at the game night, they decided to check out church (preteen style) and loved it. Most of those 80 were not Christ followers and had negative church experience in the past. We changed all that! Even though I thought the event was a disaster, it actually was a huge success in many ways.

Having reflected on how the game night affected the group, we decided to host regular relationship building events. I improved my logistical skills and made sure to have plenty of leaders present. Each event was well organized and fun. Members of our group kept coming and bringing friends. Over time, events became one of our core programs.

Having over 11 years experience in preteen ministry, I believe that hosting regular events will improve your preteen ministry. Along the way I have learned a lot and I want to share that with you. Every couple of days or so I am going to post a few tips on how to improve your preteen ministry through events. So, stay tuned…