Tween Ministry: Short & Sweet

Last Wednesday night, after our preteen midweek program, I was tired and ready to go home.  On my way out, I spotted a cell phone.  Judging by the picture on the front, it was a preteen’s.  Had no idea whose, so I went through the address book looking for someone to call.  One contact labeled “daddy” looked promising.  No luck, got a voice mail.  An incoming call quickly came.  It was a mom and she wanted to know why a strange man was answering her daughter’s phone.  I quickly discovered it was a first time guests’ phone and made arrangements for her mom to pick it up the next day.

But I was curious about something.  I wanted to read her text messages to get an idea of what preteens talk about when grown ups aren’t around.  I know it sounds weird, but I was curious.  It was tempting, but I decided to not invade her privacy.  But I couldn’t help scroll down to see how much a 5th grader texts.  It was a lot.  Way more than I expected.

I think the average preteen mirrors the texting habits of teens.  Most have cell phones and their preferred method of communication is texting.  Like it or not, it’s the world we live in.  I admit my wife and I mostly communicate during the day by texting.  So, what does that mean when it comes to communicating to preteens?

Texting is short and sweet.  When I first started texting I had to learn to not be wordy.  Big problem for me, I like to talk.  But I had to get my idea across in just a few characters.  That’s what it’s all about.

When communicating to preteens, we need to keep it short and sweet.  That’s the way they prefer to give and receive information.  If we talk too long, we lose them.  Even if we’re the creative type, if we go on for too long, we lose them.  Here is how I keep it short and sweet:

  • If I can say something in one sentence, I don’t use a paragraph.
  • If I can communicate an idea in 6 minutes, I don’t take 15 minutes.
  • If I use drama or video to enhance a lesson, it’s only for a few minutes.  The shorter the better.
  • I train all small group leaders to be a facilitator of discussion rather than teacher.
  • I designate a few elements to a weekend service: worship, game, large group and small group.  I don’t structure 6-8 components to a lesson.  Short, sweet and simple.
  • In large group, I communicate one basic Biblical or topical idea with one creative element.
  • Make the main point the entire lesson.

I’m thinking of doing an experiment.  One night for a teaching, I’m considering quoting one verse or passage and backing it up with a one sentence application point.  And that’s it!  Done.  Dismiss them to small group for discussion.  Not sure if I will do it, but worth considering.

So, if I would have followed my own advice for this blog entry, I would have simply said:

Preteens give and receive information in small doses.  So, be short and sweet when communicating to them.