Minecraft & Preteens

My 11 year old son, Ethan,  and all his friends at church are obsessed with the game Minecraft. As I interact with preteens all over, it seems to be popular game right now.

What is Minecraft?

Here’s a brief explanation from Wiki:

Minecraft is an open world game (for PC, iOS, Android & Xbox 360) that has no specific goals for the player to accomplish, allowing players a large amount of freedom in choosing how to play the game. However, there is an optional achievement system.The gameplay by default is first person, but players have the option to play in third person mode. The core gameplay revolves around breaking and placing blocks. The game world is essentially composed of rough 3D objects—mainly cubes—that are arranged in a fixed grid pattern and represent different materials, such as dirt, stone, various ores, water, and tree trunks. While players can move freely across the world, objects and items can only be placed at fixed locations relative to the grid. Players can gather these material blocks and place them elsewhere, thus allowing for various constructions. The game primarily consists of two game modes: survival and creative. Unlike in survival mode, in creative mode, players have access to unlimited blocks, regenerate health when damaged, and can fly freely around the world. The game also has a changeable difficulty system of four levels; the easiest difficulty (peaceful) removes any hostile creatures that spawn.

What Minecraft can teach us:

I think preteens are drawn to it because they are in charge. They have the freedom to build and create. It offers an outlet for the growing independence bubbling up inside them. How are you allowing preteens to have more say in preteen ministry? How are you letting go and empowering them to own the ministry?

The graphics are horrible, yet preteens love the game. I can’t figure it out. It’s counterintuitive to what I think I know about preteens. How often do we give programming (cool countdown video, slick camp brochure, etc.) a higher value than relationship building? I think way too much. When you design a ministry that meets the needs of preteens  (real relationships with leaders, peers and God) than everything else is secondary.

It is a safe game. From what I have seen (comment if I am wrong), it is a safe game for preteens.

Here’s some ideas you can use Minecraft as a tool to reach preteens:

Download the app and get familiar with the game. Then, use as a conversation piece to connect with preteens. If you’re having trouble connecting with 5th/6th grade boys, talk about Minecraft. Odds are they won’t stop talking when you bring up the subject.

Use it as an illustration. Play it for 10-15 minutes and be looking for ways to use elements of the game to drive home the point in an upcoming lesson.