PART 3
Three strategies critical to preteens' spiritual development...
(She gave us a list of important topics pertaining to the spiritual development of preteen and asked us to answer only three - here is the first of three that I answered)
Bible Teaching:
Preteens learn at a whole other level than younger kids and older teens. Preteens have the ability to learn and take God’s word to a deeper level – they can grasp some of the more abstract concepts of the Bible, but only to certain points. They are still limited on understanding and applying levels of the tangibility of God’s word. For instance, they know and understand the story of Moses, the deliverance of the Hebrews out of Egypt, and the Passover. They understand that this was a necessary part of the biblical story and they can even see how it fits into God’s bigger plan in the Bible. What they might struggle with is how this concrete, but also abstract concept fits into their daily life as they learn to follow God. Yet they want to know how to connect it to their lives, because they can sense that there is a deeper meaning for them. However, not all preteens are ready to physically or emotionally practice the biblical truth at levels like Jr. High age kids.
The day and age of asking 5th grade boys (And girls for that matter) to sit still and listen for an hour, while the teacher lectures them about a whole lot of Bible information is over! Preteens need to have interaction more than any other age group. They need to use all their senses to help them learn and grasp God’s word. Preteens also need to have fun and be physically active while they learn – they can become easily disinterested in what you are trying to teach them if they find that it has no relevance to their situation in life. Preteens need and want more than knowledge, they want someone to teach them how to move that knowledge to wisdom (Knowledge is information and Wisdom is that information moved to application). However, preteens still need to wrestle through and be reminded of the basics of faith issues as well.
Preteens need know information about the Bible, but what is even more important to them - they need to be taught how to put the Bible into practice.
Joe
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Here is the continuation of last weeks blog:
What's unique now that wasn't 10 years ago that require new strategies for reaching preteens?
In the ten years that I have been in youth ministry and children’s ministry, I have noticed that the problems and issues which faced Jr. High kids, are now placed upon preteens. The preteens that I minister too, are dealing with social issues that Jr. High and some Senior High youth dealt with ten years ago. They are struggling with issues like drugs and alcohol, sex, more mature boyfriend/girlfriend issues, unhealthy friendships that deeply effect them, materialism (Preteens have the most spendable income than any other age group), and others. For instance, when I was ten years old, my parents got a divorce – I was pretty much kept out of the loop and struggled with issues that dealt with trivial stuff about my parents divorce. Preteens now are confronted with the raw issues of their parents divorce, they are in the heat of custody battles and are asked about who they want to live with, they know if their parent was having an affair and they even know what that means. The bottom-line is that preteens are pushed by society, their families, their schools, and their churches to rapidly grow-up.
These new issues that preteens are facing, will not be met in the lower elementary ministry areas. Children's Ministers deal with a large age range, which naturally makes for reaching targeted age groups difficult when they are combined with each other. Kindergarteners and sixth graders are worlds about in several ways - physically, emotionally, intelectually, and especially spiritually. And the same can be said when comparing 5th graders to 8th graders. We need new strategies, because this age group has needs that have specific felt needs and spiritual needs that can only be met in targeted and focused ministries.
Joe
What's unique now that wasn't 10 years ago that require new strategies for reaching preteens?
In the ten years that I have been in youth ministry and children’s ministry, I have noticed that the problems and issues which faced Jr. High kids, are now placed upon preteens. The preteens that I minister too, are dealing with social issues that Jr. High and some Senior High youth dealt with ten years ago. They are struggling with issues like drugs and alcohol, sex, more mature boyfriend/girlfriend issues, unhealthy friendships that deeply effect them, materialism (Preteens have the most spendable income than any other age group), and others. For instance, when I was ten years old, my parents got a divorce – I was pretty much kept out of the loop and struggled with issues that dealt with trivial stuff about my parents divorce. Preteens now are confronted with the raw issues of their parents divorce, they are in the heat of custody battles and are asked about who they want to live with, they know if their parent was having an affair and they even know what that means. The bottom-line is that preteens are pushed by society, their families, their schools, and their churches to rapidly grow-up.
These new issues that preteens are facing, will not be met in the lower elementary ministry areas. Children's Ministers deal with a large age range, which naturally makes for reaching targeted age groups difficult when they are combined with each other. Kindergarteners and sixth graders are worlds about in several ways - physically, emotionally, intelectually, and especially spiritually. And the same can be said when comparing 5th graders to 8th graders. We need new strategies, because this age group has needs that have specific felt needs and spiritual needs that can only be met in targeted and focused ministries.
Joe
Friday, October 27, 2006
IDEAS ON PRETEEN MINISTRY
About a week ago six of us (People who work with preteens) were asked by a children's ministry magazine editor for some help. She asked us if we would help her with her article about preteen ministry, by answering a few questions. I thought it would be a good idea to post my answers to her questions on this blog over the next several weeks.
Thanks
Joe
Here is the first question:
Why do preteens need a separate ministry--apart from children's and youth ministries?
Preteens are different, they are not like the other elementary kids, nor are they like the Jr. High kids. Preteens embrace many of the characteristics of both the lower-elementary world and the Jr. High world. It’s like the exercise that a marriage counselor’s use when describing the oneness of marriage: they take a piece of blue playdoo and a piece of red playdoo and when molded together they become the color purple. The two combined together, become a whole other entity of their own. Its the same way with preteens – you take a piece of lower elementary kids and a piece of Jr. High kids and when you smoosh them together you get preteens!
Preteens are physically, intellectually, and emotionally different that lower-elementary kids and Jr. High kids. What’s more is that preteens seem to be in a more unique spiritual situation than the other age groups. Like the other areas mentioned, preteens are in transition spiritually – As a whole, they are no longer satisfied with the basics of the Christian faith. Just knowing about Moses and the crossing of the Red Sea is not enough for them. They want to know what that means for them. The Harvest is ripe for this group! They understand what is being asked of them and they are ready to take the plunge in being a follower of Jesus. And contrary to their older Jr. High friends, they haven’t been completely afflicted with the “What’s cool” factor yet. So they more readily want to participate in church activities. They are more willing to invite their friends and not feel embarrassed or guilty about it. Furthermore, their age allows them to do more things by themselves than their younger siblings, meaning parents are more willing to let their preteen(s) go on longer church trips, stay over night at retreats, come to youth group on a week nights, and etc... On the flip side though, parents are still involved in their preteen’s life.
What this means is that preteens need to be ministered to at a different level than that of the other age groups. Their needs and their parents needs are different than lower-elementary and Jr. High needs. They need curriculum that meets their intellectual levels, they need large group activities that meet their physical levels, and they need spiritual experiences that take them to a deeper level as they travel down the path with God. This cannot be accomplished effectively by the children’s department, which is busy trying to meet the needs of of parents and families of the vast age gap of babies, preschoolers, and K – 4th graders. And student ministries also are dealing with vast age gaps between 7th graders and 12th graders (Some student ministries also include college age students). Preteens are unique and need a unique ministry to help them go to the next stage of their spiritual walk.
About a week ago six of us (People who work with preteens) were asked by a children's ministry magazine editor for some help. She asked us if we would help her with her article about preteen ministry, by answering a few questions. I thought it would be a good idea to post my answers to her questions on this blog over the next several weeks.
Thanks
Joe
Here is the first question:
Why do preteens need a separate ministry--apart from children's and youth ministries?
Preteens are different, they are not like the other elementary kids, nor are they like the Jr. High kids. Preteens embrace many of the characteristics of both the lower-elementary world and the Jr. High world. It’s like the exercise that a marriage counselor’s use when describing the oneness of marriage: they take a piece of blue playdoo and a piece of red playdoo and when molded together they become the color purple. The two combined together, become a whole other entity of their own. Its the same way with preteens – you take a piece of lower elementary kids and a piece of Jr. High kids and when you smoosh them together you get preteens!
Preteens are physically, intellectually, and emotionally different that lower-elementary kids and Jr. High kids. What’s more is that preteens seem to be in a more unique spiritual situation than the other age groups. Like the other areas mentioned, preteens are in transition spiritually – As a whole, they are no longer satisfied with the basics of the Christian faith. Just knowing about Moses and the crossing of the Red Sea is not enough for them. They want to know what that means for them. The Harvest is ripe for this group! They understand what is being asked of them and they are ready to take the plunge in being a follower of Jesus. And contrary to their older Jr. High friends, they haven’t been completely afflicted with the “What’s cool” factor yet. So they more readily want to participate in church activities. They are more willing to invite their friends and not feel embarrassed or guilty about it. Furthermore, their age allows them to do more things by themselves than their younger siblings, meaning parents are more willing to let their preteen(s) go on longer church trips, stay over night at retreats, come to youth group on a week nights, and etc... On the flip side though, parents are still involved in their preteen’s life.
What this means is that preteens need to be ministered to at a different level than that of the other age groups. Their needs and their parents needs are different than lower-elementary and Jr. High needs. They need curriculum that meets their intellectual levels, they need large group activities that meet their physical levels, and they need spiritual experiences that take them to a deeper level as they travel down the path with God. This cannot be accomplished effectively by the children’s department, which is busy trying to meet the needs of of parents and families of the vast age gap of babies, preschoolers, and K – 4th graders. And student ministries also are dealing with vast age gaps between 7th graders and 12th graders (Some student ministries also include college age students). Preteens are unique and need a unique ministry to help them go to the next stage of their spiritual walk.
Friday, September 22, 2006
THE ANATOMY OF KILLING A WASP
One day a friend called and asked if I would come over and kill a wasp that was flying all crazy in her house. Her husband was at work and she was afraid to be in her house, so my wife and I got in our car and drove to her house.
When we got there, I noticed that her nephew was there, I not sure how old he is, but what I noticed was that he was eager to come in the house with me and hunt down the wasp and kill it. Of course his aunt would not let him, but he wanted to any ways.
You know - many times preteens want to be and have the potential to be mature Christians that have the ability to slay the wasps in their life, but adults stop them and don't let them in the house to learn the killing skills they need to slay the things that are trying to take them down and away from God!
At the church I minister at, I know that we are dedicated to give our preteens the "killing skills" to follow God and become all that God created them to be.
Joe
One day a friend called and asked if I would come over and kill a wasp that was flying all crazy in her house. Her husband was at work and she was afraid to be in her house, so my wife and I got in our car and drove to her house.
When we got there, I noticed that her nephew was there, I not sure how old he is, but what I noticed was that he was eager to come in the house with me and hunt down the wasp and kill it. Of course his aunt would not let him, but he wanted to any ways.
You know - many times preteens want to be and have the potential to be mature Christians that have the ability to slay the wasps in their life, but adults stop them and don't let them in the house to learn the killing skills they need to slay the things that are trying to take them down and away from God!
At the church I minister at, I know that we are dedicated to give our preteens the "killing skills" to follow God and become all that God created them to be.
Joe
Friday, September 01, 2006
SOCCER ANYONE!
It was anyone's game, both teams exchanging goals, one right after the other. Elbows were flying, hard kicks were connecting too both, shins and the ball. Oxygen was in short supply and sweat ran off the combatants like a roaring river. The battle was intense as contestants from both teams jockeyed for postion and the victory!What's more, this fiercely fought match went down to the wire.
No! I am not talking about a match-up from the World Cup of Soccer, nor am I talking about some Major League Soccer game! Instead, I am talking about "The Edge", the youth soccer team that Christ's Church of Oronogo sponsors and the hard fought soccer game that they played yesterday at King Jack Park in Webb City, MO. Our preteen ministry came about sponsoring a team, when "The Bridge" (A unique skateboard ministry that reaches out to youth and others) contacted out Children's Ministry about sponsoring a team in their newly started youth soccer league. Our ministry is going to sponsor pre-K team, a K-4th grade team and our preteen (5th-6th grade) ministry is doing so as well (Thus, the team name "The Edge"). When the opportunity came for us to help support our community, we were more than willing. This opportunity not only gives us a chance to love and encourage some of our kids and their families outside of church, but it also helps us reach out and connect with families that we do not know. We also tell the kids in our ministry to go out and support out team.
What does your preteen ministry do to get involved in your community? Post your ideas and I will post them in a blog.
Joe
It was anyone's game, both teams exchanging goals, one right after the other. Elbows were flying, hard kicks were connecting too both, shins and the ball. Oxygen was in short supply and sweat ran off the combatants like a roaring river. The battle was intense as contestants from both teams jockeyed for postion and the victory!What's more, this fiercely fought match went down to the wire.
No! I am not talking about a match-up from the World Cup of Soccer, nor am I talking about some Major League Soccer game! Instead, I am talking about "The Edge", the youth soccer team that Christ's Church of Oronogo sponsors and the hard fought soccer game that they played yesterday at King Jack Park in Webb City, MO. Our preteen ministry came about sponsoring a team, when "The Bridge" (A unique skateboard ministry that reaches out to youth and others) contacted out Children's Ministry about sponsoring a team in their newly started youth soccer league. Our ministry is going to sponsor pre-K team, a K-4th grade team and our preteen (5th-6th grade) ministry is doing so as well (Thus, the team name "The Edge"). When the opportunity came for us to help support our community, we were more than willing. This opportunity not only gives us a chance to love and encourage some of our kids and their families outside of church, but it also helps us reach out and connect with families that we do not know. We also tell the kids in our ministry to go out and support out team.
What does your preteen ministry do to get involved in your community? Post your ideas and I will post them in a blog.
Joe
ALONG FOR THE RIDE...
One of the things that is a part of my responsibilities at the church that I minister at, is to help out in the Jr. High ministry in some capacity, or basically make sure that our out going 6th graders are making a good transition from our preteen ministry into our student ministry. For me, it means that I have a really good relationship with our Jr. High minister, or that basically "He is my best friend on staff". Fortunately, him and I get along really well. Matt is a top notch guy, who is doing great things for our Jr. High kids. The other thing that I do is get involved in some way with our Jr. High ministry.
This past month, my event that I go on with our Jr. High group as a sponsor is a week long service project event called KNOW SWEAT. I attend this event for three reasons:
1. I go to help be a positive presence for our out going 6th graders/new 7th graders, by helping be a familiar figure, as well as help them transition well.
2. I go to help build my relationship with our Jr. High minister and check-up on our new 8th graders (Which are former preteen ministry kids).
3. I go to help, because it helps me measure and gage all the things we did for the past two years with these former preteens, by observing our former 6th graders in situations that call on them to be leadrs and to act more mature.
I do this with all intentionality, what do you do to help you measure the growth of your preteens?
Joe
One of the things that is a part of my responsibilities at the church that I minister at, is to help out in the Jr. High ministry in some capacity, or basically make sure that our out going 6th graders are making a good transition from our preteen ministry into our student ministry. For me, it means that I have a really good relationship with our Jr. High minister, or that basically "He is my best friend on staff". Fortunately, him and I get along really well. Matt is a top notch guy, who is doing great things for our Jr. High kids. The other thing that I do is get involved in some way with our Jr. High ministry.
This past month, my event that I go on with our Jr. High group as a sponsor is a week long service project event called KNOW SWEAT. I attend this event for three reasons:
1. I go to help be a positive presence for our out going 6th graders/new 7th graders, by helping be a familiar figure, as well as help them transition well.
2. I go to help build my relationship with our Jr. High minister and check-up on our new 8th graders (Which are former preteen ministry kids).
3. I go to help, because it helps me measure and gage all the things we did for the past two years with these former preteens, by observing our former 6th graders in situations that call on them to be leadrs and to act more mature.
I do this with all intentionality, what do you do to help you measure the growth of your preteens?
Joe
IS IT CRAZY OR WHAT?
I has been a crazy month for me. I was gone for almost three weeks straight and when I came back, not only did my family miss me, but the ministry did as well!
I want to tell all of you out there who minister and work with preteens, that help is on it's way! Two of the reasons why I was gone for so long , was that I went to lead some workshops on preteen ministry at a ministry conference and then I went to meet with other preteen ministers from around the country and brainstorm ideas about and for preteens and preteen ministry. However, before I talk about what we did, I want to tell you about some things that I learned and affirmed in our meeting:
1. Preteens are the most important ministry age group in our churches:
- They are the most impressionable, meaning they can be influenced and are ready to make life changing decisions (Look at marketing groups, terrorist groups, media groups, and etc... All these groups seek to fill their numbers by targeting this age group).
2. The harvest is ripe at this age! I believe Barna says that 40% of the people that make decisions for Jesus are between the ages of 9-14 years of age. I think he is wrong, I think the percentage is higher.
3. They have been negelected in our churches (For what ever reasons)!
4. The exsiting curriculum out there is not very good (However there is some stuff that is useful)!
5. This age group is being forced to mature at a faster rate than any other age group and at any other time in history (This is being forced by both media, schools, parents, culture, and etc...)!
Now this is what we did! Primarily nine of us from around the country, five from church ministies, one from a para-church organization, and three from a well respected publishing company, got together and talked shop (We talked about preteens and preteen ministry). Out of this meeting, we produced three books on preteens and preteen ministry and helped consult a little bit on the curriculum that the publishing company is going to produce.
Now I can't get into details or tell you exactly when this is going to all hit the bookshelves, but I can say that it will be soon! I even wish I could tell you the publishing company's name, but I can't. Just hang in there, it will happen soon!
Joe
I has been a crazy month for me. I was gone for almost three weeks straight and when I came back, not only did my family miss me, but the ministry did as well!
I want to tell all of you out there who minister and work with preteens, that help is on it's way! Two of the reasons why I was gone for so long , was that I went to lead some workshops on preteen ministry at a ministry conference and then I went to meet with other preteen ministers from around the country and brainstorm ideas about and for preteens and preteen ministry. However, before I talk about what we did, I want to tell you about some things that I learned and affirmed in our meeting:
1. Preteens are the most important ministry age group in our churches:
- They are the most impressionable, meaning they can be influenced and are ready to make life changing decisions (Look at marketing groups, terrorist groups, media groups, and etc... All these groups seek to fill their numbers by targeting this age group).
2. The harvest is ripe at this age! I believe Barna says that 40% of the people that make decisions for Jesus are between the ages of 9-14 years of age. I think he is wrong, I think the percentage is higher.
3. They have been negelected in our churches (For what ever reasons)!
4. The exsiting curriculum out there is not very good (However there is some stuff that is useful)!
5. This age group is being forced to mature at a faster rate than any other age group and at any other time in history (This is being forced by both media, schools, parents, culture, and etc...)!
Now this is what we did! Primarily nine of us from around the country, five from church ministies, one from a para-church organization, and three from a well respected publishing company, got together and talked shop (We talked about preteens and preteen ministry). Out of this meeting, we produced three books on preteens and preteen ministry and helped consult a little bit on the curriculum that the publishing company is going to produce.
Now I can't get into details or tell you exactly when this is going to all hit the bookshelves, but I can say that it will be soon! I even wish I could tell you the publishing company's name, but I can't. Just hang in there, it will happen soon!
Joe
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Knowing the Who, What, and Why of Your Preteen Ministry
Over the next three days, I will be leading some workshops about preteen ministry at a ministry conference. One of the areas that I will touch on is having a vision for preteen ministry.
I would like to hear about the vision that you have for your preteen ministry. Let me know why your preteen ministry exist - I bet most of us will have similar visions!
Joe
Over the next three days, I will be leading some workshops about preteen ministry at a ministry conference. One of the areas that I will touch on is having a vision for preteen ministry.
I would like to hear about the vision that you have for your preteen ministry. Let me know why your preteen ministry exist - I bet most of us will have similar visions!
Joe
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
So I took a jump - this is a really big jump. I have been dreaming of doing something like this for about 5 years now. It is a really big jump for me, because I am not that computer and website savvy. I have decided to create a website that will serve two purposes or more (?). One is to serve as a ParentConnect Page for our preteen ministry. The other is to serve as a very indepth resource site for people who ministry to preteens.There is not a whole lot on there now, but hopefully there will be soon. If you have any ideas or resources that you know of or are using, please let me know at the e-mail on the website. Thanks...
The website is www.preteenedge.com
Joe
The website is www.preteenedge.com
Joe
“Loose lips sink ships” -Vs- “The lips of the righteous nourish many”
There is an old saying from one of the past great wars that went something like this, “Loose lips sink ships.” Essentially what they were saying is that careless words can cost the lives of people, so we need to use our words with caution. This is also true with those of us who work with children and youth, both figuratively and literally. I like to say that the words we use can either bring about life, or they can bring about death. We never know what effect the words we use have on people, especially on the children that we minister too.
I was confronted with this fact one Sunday morning. A former student from my ministry wrote me a card, thanking me for all the kind and encouraging words that I passed her way whenever she was in and around our ministry. She said that whenever she came to church or our preteen ministry events, everyone always spoke kindly to her and used words of love, acceptance, and encouragement towards her – she said that she always felt closer to God when she was around us. You see, Summer does not have a good home life, in fact the few times that I had gone to her home, I could hear the harsh words and tones that she experienced. At home, she never heard words that would bring life to her soul, instead she heard words that crushed her spirit and made her feel insignificant and unwanted; in a sense they brought her death. However, when Summer came around our preteen ministry staff, she heard words that nourished her soul and uplifted her spirit. She came to know that God loves her and created her with significance and purpose - God’s word brought her life!
There was another lesson to be had that day. That Sunday evening as my family and I were winding down from another busy Sunday, I walked into my youngest daughter’s bedroom and I observed that her room was a mess and not just any ordinary mess. It was the type of mess that only an eight-year-old girl, who is full of life and wonder, can create. As she sat there in a pile of crumbled-up pieces of paper, dutifully working on another masterpiece – I told her in a stern voice that her room was a pigsty and that pigs only live in them. She looked up at me with crocodile tears forming in her eyes and on her cheeks and she said to me through sobs, “Daddy, if I’m a pig, does this mean that you do not love me anymore.” My heart stopped and I grabbed her in my arms and told her that I was wrong for saying those words to her and that I loved her. That day I learned all to well that “Loose lip can sink ships” and “The lips of the righteous nourish many.”
There is an old saying from one of the past great wars that went something like this, “Loose lips sink ships.” Essentially what they were saying is that careless words can cost the lives of people, so we need to use our words with caution. This is also true with those of us who work with children and youth, both figuratively and literally. I like to say that the words we use can either bring about life, or they can bring about death. We never know what effect the words we use have on people, especially on the children that we minister too.
I was confronted with this fact one Sunday morning. A former student from my ministry wrote me a card, thanking me for all the kind and encouraging words that I passed her way whenever she was in and around our ministry. She said that whenever she came to church or our preteen ministry events, everyone always spoke kindly to her and used words of love, acceptance, and encouragement towards her – she said that she always felt closer to God when she was around us. You see, Summer does not have a good home life, in fact the few times that I had gone to her home, I could hear the harsh words and tones that she experienced. At home, she never heard words that would bring life to her soul, instead she heard words that crushed her spirit and made her feel insignificant and unwanted; in a sense they brought her death. However, when Summer came around our preteen ministry staff, she heard words that nourished her soul and uplifted her spirit. She came to know that God loves her and created her with significance and purpose - God’s word brought her life!
There was another lesson to be had that day. That Sunday evening as my family and I were winding down from another busy Sunday, I walked into my youngest daughter’s bedroom and I observed that her room was a mess and not just any ordinary mess. It was the type of mess that only an eight-year-old girl, who is full of life and wonder, can create. As she sat there in a pile of crumbled-up pieces of paper, dutifully working on another masterpiece – I told her in a stern voice that her room was a pigsty and that pigs only live in them. She looked up at me with crocodile tears forming in her eyes and on her cheeks and she said to me through sobs, “Daddy, if I’m a pig, does this mean that you do not love me anymore.” My heart stopped and I grabbed her in my arms and told her that I was wrong for saying those words to her and that I loved her. That day I learned all to well that “Loose lip can sink ships” and “The lips of the righteous nourish many.”
Monday, June 19, 2006
Rated G - No Way!
Okay, here is the situation. Yesterday, in one our 5th grade boy's Sunday school class, we always have "What's the latest" discussion time at the beginning of class. Well for most of the fourteen 5th grade boys in room 5B, the latest was the movie "CARS". Several of the boys were excited about the movie and some of the boys said they hated it. Well I did care for a couple of the boys attitude when they said that, so I went on an investigative search of why they didn't like the movie CARS. After several questions, what I found out was that the boys who said they hated it, DIDN'T EVEN SEE THE MOVIE! The only reason why they did not like it, was because the movie was rated G and G ratings to these boys are not cool. However, when asked by their fearless preteen minister (me) if they liked such and such movie, the sais they did and that it was awesome and one of their favorite movies, until I reveiled it to them that it was rated G as well. Hmm, sometimes I can be a stinker because I used that moment as a teaching moment on "be slow to speak and quick to listen."
It seems coolness and peer presure are getting younger and younger!
Joe
Okay, here is the situation. Yesterday, in one our 5th grade boy's Sunday school class, we always have "What's the latest" discussion time at the beginning of class. Well for most of the fourteen 5th grade boys in room 5B, the latest was the movie "CARS". Several of the boys were excited about the movie and some of the boys said they hated it. Well I did care for a couple of the boys attitude when they said that, so I went on an investigative search of why they didn't like the movie CARS. After several questions, what I found out was that the boys who said they hated it, DIDN'T EVEN SEE THE MOVIE! The only reason why they did not like it, was because the movie was rated G and G ratings to these boys are not cool. However, when asked by their fearless preteen minister (me) if they liked such and such movie, the sais they did and that it was awesome and one of their favorite movies, until I reveiled it to them that it was rated G as well. Hmm, sometimes I can be a stinker because I used that moment as a teaching moment on "be slow to speak and quick to listen."
It seems coolness and peer presure are getting younger and younger!
Joe
Friday, June 16, 2006
What I am learning...
Have you ever been in a situation where no ones has what you're looking for? Well I've been in that situation for a little over two years now (And longer if you count the years of ministry when I was over multiple grades)! No! This has nothing to do with lawn mowers, although I need one. What I'm talking about is curriculum for preteens! I can't seem to find anything out there that connects to preteens. I am not trying to be harsh to the the FEW curriculum writers and publishing houses that have attempted to produce something for preteens, it's just that most of it is either out of date, and therefore out of touch, or like most of us in the church world - trying to play catch-up to the trends and needs of culture and people, so we are behind.
What I am learning to do is to be a hardcore student of preteens and preteen culture. I have come up with some observations that most of us already know about preteens: Firstly, they love to be active, almost to a fault. Secondly, they love to talk, especially about themselves. They want to be known (The old - preteens are shy and unsure of themselves has went out the door for most of them. Thanks to parents and culture that tell them that they special). Thirdly, they want to and have to trust the adult who is their authority over them, therefore causing us to share about ourselves (They want to know our biography). Next, they want to and are capable of authentic faith (And this means in anything). And they want this authentic faith to make a difference in their lives and the world around them! There are several other things I have observed and there are many variables that come into play in these observations, however when we put them all together - what do we get, well we get craziness!
What we have done in our preteen ministry is to use as our foundation seven focused principles or teaching points, that we believe are vital in helping preteens establish their relationship with Christ, help them make a diference in the lives of the people around them, and help them grow in and experience their role in the church. The seven are: Authentic faith, Spiritual priorities, Moral boundries, Meaningful friendships, Wise choices, Others first, and God-given authority (these terms were taken from North Point Community Church's 6th grade ministry. Most of us have been using these seven points as guidlines, they just know how to word things). Ezzo, in his book "Preteen Wise" - says that we need to move preteens from obedient kids, to responsible kids. I like to say it this way - From kids who listen, to kids who do!
Joe
Have you ever been in a situation where no ones has what you're looking for? Well I've been in that situation for a little over two years now (And longer if you count the years of ministry when I was over multiple grades)! No! This has nothing to do with lawn mowers, although I need one. What I'm talking about is curriculum for preteens! I can't seem to find anything out there that connects to preteens. I am not trying to be harsh to the the FEW curriculum writers and publishing houses that have attempted to produce something for preteens, it's just that most of it is either out of date, and therefore out of touch, or like most of us in the church world - trying to play catch-up to the trends and needs of culture and people, so we are behind.
What I am learning to do is to be a hardcore student of preteens and preteen culture. I have come up with some observations that most of us already know about preteens: Firstly, they love to be active, almost to a fault. Secondly, they love to talk, especially about themselves. They want to be known (The old - preteens are shy and unsure of themselves has went out the door for most of them. Thanks to parents and culture that tell them that they special). Thirdly, they want to and have to trust the adult who is their authority over them, therefore causing us to share about ourselves (They want to know our biography). Next, they want to and are capable of authentic faith (And this means in anything). And they want this authentic faith to make a difference in their lives and the world around them! There are several other things I have observed and there are many variables that come into play in these observations, however when we put them all together - what do we get, well we get craziness!
What we have done in our preteen ministry is to use as our foundation seven focused principles or teaching points, that we believe are vital in helping preteens establish their relationship with Christ, help them make a diference in the lives of the people around them, and help them grow in and experience their role in the church. The seven are: Authentic faith, Spiritual priorities, Moral boundries, Meaningful friendships, Wise choices, Others first, and God-given authority (these terms were taken from North Point Community Church's 6th grade ministry. Most of us have been using these seven points as guidlines, they just know how to word things). Ezzo, in his book "Preteen Wise" - says that we need to move preteens from obedient kids, to responsible kids. I like to say it this way - From kids who listen, to kids who do!
Joe
Monday, June 12, 2006
PART 3 THE END
Okay, okay here it is! We have been conducting an Education Forum at the church I am on staff at, which included a few hand-pick staff members, whose job it was to rethink education churchwide. CCO is a decent size church (about 2300 people), so paradigms have shifted. Everything was on the chopping block, so to speak, and I mean everything! We were forced to take this measure, because even though we are in a somewhat rural setting, cultural has drastically changed. Even though culture is not as fast paced as it is in California (I am from the San Fransico Bay area, CA. I moved to southwest Missouri 5 years ago), it has become very rushed and busy, especially for families. Therefore, causing church events and programming to conflict or add to the other activities our families are involved in. Something has to change! We as a church want to build bridges to our community, but instead of wanting the community to cross over to us, we want to cross over to our community. In other words, we want our families to influence their neighbors, friends, and family members for Christ, by going into the community they are already involved in; whether it be at Little league practice, afterschool programs, soccer practice, etc... We can no longer expect people to pick our church activities over the other activities in their lives. They just aren't doing it! We are forced to simplify and narrow our focus!
I tell you all this to serve as a backdrop for the changes that are going to take place in our preteen ministry.
EVENTS
Preteens by nature are social cats (I hate cats, but love preteens). Most of my preteen ministry budget dollars are invested in the events category. We do alot of events for them, such as a fall retreat, a summer preteen road trip, Superstart, Believe, camp, and the list could go on. All of these events are very purposeful and have been successful, drawing large crowds and have brought about life change for some of our preteens. However, we don't need to do all of these events - So I am cutting some of the events out and redoing a couple of the others. In all we will do a total of four event, not including camp or our large summer outreach event (we do not do VBS). With this narrowed focus, we hope to be able to make the events that we do, more excellent and effective.
SUNDAYS
Are made for worship (haha)! Anyways, we did have programming for all three services. We did a computer lab during the first service, we did a more traditional Sunday school format the second hour, and then we had a preteen worship hour at our third hour service. Here is what we are doing and (already do in our preteen worship hour, during third service): We are going to no longer offer anything for preteens during the first hour (This means no more computer lab... Reasons why, will be discussed in another blog). We are moving in the direction of having two preteen worship services - one will be during the second hour (No more traditional Sunday school... Hate me all you want) and third hour services. Here is what they look like:
Each hour is sliced into four blocks:
The Hangout time 15 minutes- Students and leaders come into The Edge and hangout, playing foosball, air hockey, Game cubes, and catch up on what's been going in their lives.
The Connection time 15-20 minutes - Worship time (We use a live band). This is when preteens will here announcements, focus on the music aspect of worship, drama skits, video clips, and etc...
The Point time 10-15 minutes - This is the teaching time. A 10 to 15 minute sermon will introduce the point that we want our preteens to learn that week.
The So What time 15-20 minutes - This is small group time. This is where preteens will be divided by grade and gender to discuss the teaching point and how it applies to their world, but they will build community with each other, by talking about life in general and share what is going on in their lives with their small group friends and adult leaders.
The rest of the remaining time is hangout and wait for parent pick-up or released to meet parents.
For the sake of room, I will talk about Wednesday night programming in another blog. What I gave here, is programming and formating. I will also be blogging about philosophy, curriculum and reasons why we are doing things this way, later on.
Joe
Okay, okay here it is! We have been conducting an Education Forum at the church I am on staff at, which included a few hand-pick staff members, whose job it was to rethink education churchwide. CCO is a decent size church (about 2300 people), so paradigms have shifted. Everything was on the chopping block, so to speak, and I mean everything! We were forced to take this measure, because even though we are in a somewhat rural setting, cultural has drastically changed. Even though culture is not as fast paced as it is in California (I am from the San Fransico Bay area, CA. I moved to southwest Missouri 5 years ago), it has become very rushed and busy, especially for families. Therefore, causing church events and programming to conflict or add to the other activities our families are involved in. Something has to change! We as a church want to build bridges to our community, but instead of wanting the community to cross over to us, we want to cross over to our community. In other words, we want our families to influence their neighbors, friends, and family members for Christ, by going into the community they are already involved in; whether it be at Little league practice, afterschool programs, soccer practice, etc... We can no longer expect people to pick our church activities over the other activities in their lives. They just aren't doing it! We are forced to simplify and narrow our focus!
I tell you all this to serve as a backdrop for the changes that are going to take place in our preteen ministry.
EVENTS
Preteens by nature are social cats (I hate cats, but love preteens). Most of my preteen ministry budget dollars are invested in the events category. We do alot of events for them, such as a fall retreat, a summer preteen road trip, Superstart, Believe, camp, and the list could go on. All of these events are very purposeful and have been successful, drawing large crowds and have brought about life change for some of our preteens. However, we don't need to do all of these events - So I am cutting some of the events out and redoing a couple of the others. In all we will do a total of four event, not including camp or our large summer outreach event (we do not do VBS). With this narrowed focus, we hope to be able to make the events that we do, more excellent and effective.
SUNDAYS
Are made for worship (haha)! Anyways, we did have programming for all three services. We did a computer lab during the first service, we did a more traditional Sunday school format the second hour, and then we had a preteen worship hour at our third hour service. Here is what we are doing and (already do in our preteen worship hour, during third service): We are going to no longer offer anything for preteens during the first hour (This means no more computer lab... Reasons why, will be discussed in another blog). We are moving in the direction of having two preteen worship services - one will be during the second hour (No more traditional Sunday school... Hate me all you want) and third hour services. Here is what they look like:
Each hour is sliced into four blocks:
The Hangout time 15 minutes- Students and leaders come into The Edge and hangout, playing foosball, air hockey, Game cubes, and catch up on what's been going in their lives.
The Connection time 15-20 minutes - Worship time (We use a live band). This is when preteens will here announcements, focus on the music aspect of worship, drama skits, video clips, and etc...
The Point time 10-15 minutes - This is the teaching time. A 10 to 15 minute sermon will introduce the point that we want our preteens to learn that week.
The So What time 15-20 minutes - This is small group time. This is where preteens will be divided by grade and gender to discuss the teaching point and how it applies to their world, but they will build community with each other, by talking about life in general and share what is going on in their lives with their small group friends and adult leaders.
The rest of the remaining time is hangout and wait for parent pick-up or released to meet parents.
For the sake of room, I will talk about Wednesday night programming in another blog. What I gave here, is programming and formating. I will also be blogging about philosophy, curriculum and reasons why we are doing things this way, later on.
Joe
Friday, May 26, 2006
PART 2
In response to the question asked in the previous blog, our preteen ministry is going to take an approach of simplification. I like how Luke (the person who left a comment on the previous blog) used the word burden to describe the business that we strap to the backs of the people that we minister too. In a sense, a lot of our programs do become burdens to our people, because many times we make them feel guilty for choosing other functions over ours or they themselves feel guilty for not doing enough for God (There are many other reasons as well). Through all the business, people have a hard time of seeing a clear picture of the character of God and experiencing the glory of who He is and what he means to them! Can we bask in His glory, when we are busy doing?
I must state here, that I am not against programming, because programming helps us meet the felt needs of people (See Acts chapter 6). What I am saying, is that our programming needs to be more than just purposeful, it needs to be narrow focused and strategic. Simplification does not mean "dumbing down", it means to move away from doing a lot of things good or even really good, to doing a few things really well and with excellence.
What are you doing in your churches and other organizations to take the burdens of the backs of God's people, so they can bask in the Glory of God? (Part three, I will elaborate on what we are doing for our preteen ministry)
Joe
In response to the question asked in the previous blog, our preteen ministry is going to take an approach of simplification. I like how Luke (the person who left a comment on the previous blog) used the word burden to describe the business that we strap to the backs of the people that we minister too. In a sense, a lot of our programs do become burdens to our people, because many times we make them feel guilty for choosing other functions over ours or they themselves feel guilty for not doing enough for God (There are many other reasons as well). Through all the business, people have a hard time of seeing a clear picture of the character of God and experiencing the glory of who He is and what he means to them! Can we bask in His glory, when we are busy doing?
I must state here, that I am not against programming, because programming helps us meet the felt needs of people (See Acts chapter 6). What I am saying, is that our programming needs to be more than just purposeful, it needs to be narrow focused and strategic. Simplification does not mean "dumbing down", it means to move away from doing a lot of things good or even really good, to doing a few things really well and with excellence.
What are you doing in your churches and other organizations to take the burdens of the backs of God's people, so they can bask in the Glory of God? (Part three, I will elaborate on what we are doing for our preteen ministry)
Joe
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
PART 1
Why are families so busy these days? Why is it that we, the church, feel the need to create more programming, more events, and more business for our families? Do we think we can compete with world for the thing that is most precious to our families, and that being their time? The world is ready and already has invested everything it has to keep our people occupied and distracted. The world does things very well and with excellence, and they can because they take a "sky's the limit" approach.
Does this mean that the world is better than the church? No way! It means that the world knows the stakes are high and they are willing to do whatever it takes, in order to keep people away from from what matters most! And that is to seek God and love Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. And to love our neighbor as yourself!
What should we, the church do about this?
Joe
Why are families so busy these days? Why is it that we, the church, feel the need to create more programming, more events, and more business for our families? Do we think we can compete with world for the thing that is most precious to our families, and that being their time? The world is ready and already has invested everything it has to keep our people occupied and distracted. The world does things very well and with excellence, and they can because they take a "sky's the limit" approach.
Does this mean that the world is better than the church? No way! It means that the world knows the stakes are high and they are willing to do whatever it takes, in order to keep people away from from what matters most! And that is to seek God and love Him with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. And to love our neighbor as yourself!
What should we, the church do about this?
Joe
Monday, May 15, 2006
Let me tell you about the church I minister at and it's leadership - They are the best group of men that I have ever served under. Their foresight and insight is something to be admired. They are not afraid to take the jump when necesary, in order bring about change, but at the same time, they are men of prayer and caution! They are not satified with the "status quo," they want no stagnation; instead they want to honor God in all that they do and sometimes that means we stop doing what we are well, in order to do something new with excellence.
I say all this, because it was two years ago that they decided to invest time, energy, and resources to start a ministry to preteens (Actually, they started this a little before this time, but I came on two years ago as paid staff). They saw the need to ministry to preteens outside the traditional realm of Children's Ministry and they took the jump. If you haven't taken the jump to minister to preteens outside the traditional realm of Children's Ministry, then you need too! Contact me if you don't know where to start.
Keep it real in Christ,
Joe
I say all this, because it was two years ago that they decided to invest time, energy, and resources to start a ministry to preteens (Actually, they started this a little before this time, but I came on two years ago as paid staff). They saw the need to ministry to preteens outside the traditional realm of Children's Ministry and they took the jump. If you haven't taken the jump to minister to preteens outside the traditional realm of Children's Ministry, then you need too! Contact me if you don't know where to start.
Keep it real in Christ,
Joe
Monday, May 08, 2006
You ever go to a ministry training conference in another city and fall in love with that city - well I did. The city was Atlanta, Georgia (Alpharetta to be exact). Alpharette reminded me of home (San Fransico Bay Area, CA) . Not because the cities were exactly alike, Alpharetta isn't even near the ocean. No! It was the similarities that I felt in the atmosphere, the buzz, Starbucks being real close and the malls had a Gap store and more importantly, an Apple store. Similarities bring us comfort when we are in a new city, new house, new school, and new areas of ministry. For many preteens, leaving the Children's ministry that they have known for over four years or even for some, since they were a baby, can be exciting, but also very overwhelming. That is why those of us who minister to preteens, need to provide an atmosphere that is not only new and exciting, but also with some similarities from the old area of ministry they just came out of. We need to do this, so that we can help them make the transition from kiddieland to the world of preteens, and close the gap that so many of them fall into and never return!
Joe
Joe
Friday, April 28, 2006
"Something old and something new" - have you ever really thought about this saying, especially when it is directed toward your children, both your own kids and the kids you minister too? I have and just recently! My oldest daughter (soon to be 13) will be leaving my preteen ministry and entering into the Jr. High ministry at our church. She has been a part of my ministry for two years and is the first of my own kids to be in an area of ministry that I was over. I remember when she was a young girl of about 5 or 6 and my youth group (From a previous church ministry) would love on her and spoil her with all the attention that a youth minister's daughter gets. She has just started to voice her feelings that she is ready to get out of our preteen ministry, it seems that it is becoming old news to her. Now, she is moving on and entering a new phase of her walk with Jesus. Her new journey! She is exiting her preteen years better than I ever did.
My son on the other hand will turn 10 in a few weeks and there is something new on the horizon for him, he will be entering into my area of ministry at our church. he is excited about the new journey before him. He is entering into his preteen years better than I ever did.
Huh, "Something old and something new!"
Joe
My son on the other hand will turn 10 in a few weeks and there is something new on the horizon for him, he will be entering into my area of ministry at our church. he is excited about the new journey before him. He is entering into his preteen years better than I ever did.
Huh, "Something old and something new!"
Joe
Friday, March 10, 2006
This past weekend, our children's ministry team went on a tour of a church and then we attended a children's ministry workshop conference. While touring the church, I was able to ask our tour guide about his church's preteen ministry. I asked questions about their check-in and pick-up process, their program format, such as if it is small group/large group format, do they use a preaching format, what type of worship do they have, and etc... Afterwards, our team reflected upon what we learned from our tour of the church and it's various ministries to children: what I came away with was not new programming or format ideas (most of what they do, we already did, do, or are thinking about doing); instead, it was a realization and confirmation that much of preteen ministry has to do with transition.
Much of what I gleaned from the church (Whom I have tremendous respect for) was their goal of providing an environment for preteens that not only ministered to them now, but more importantly provided an atmosphere of anticipation for the next level or the next step of the journey! Even in our own preteen ministry, we strive to not only turn all preteens into fully mature followers of Jesus, but we also seek to help prepare them for the next level, or transition in their walk with Jesus. Transition is huge in a preteen's life. If Barna's statistics (See - Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions) are right, the preteen age is not only a very important time in a person's life, particularlly when it comes to the decisions they make in establishing their moral and spiritual foundation, but many of them don't make that transition into adolescence (Give or take about 40%). They drop out and are more than likely to not return! What are your thoughts on this, what steps do you take in helping preteens make that next transition? Or, does preteen ministry have anything to do with transition?
Keep it real in Christ,
Joe
Much of what I gleaned from the church (Whom I have tremendous respect for) was their goal of providing an environment for preteens that not only ministered to them now, but more importantly provided an atmosphere of anticipation for the next level or the next step of the journey! Even in our own preteen ministry, we strive to not only turn all preteens into fully mature followers of Jesus, but we also seek to help prepare them for the next level, or transition in their walk with Jesus. Transition is huge in a preteen's life. If Barna's statistics (See - Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions) are right, the preteen age is not only a very important time in a person's life, particularlly when it comes to the decisions they make in establishing their moral and spiritual foundation, but many of them don't make that transition into adolescence (Give or take about 40%). They drop out and are more than likely to not return! What are your thoughts on this, what steps do you take in helping preteens make that next transition? Or, does preteen ministry have anything to do with transition?
Keep it real in Christ,
Joe
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Recently, my family welcomed a new addition - a puppy! While the puppy is for the whole family, it's really under the care and ownership of my oldest daughter. After watching my daughter take care of the puppy these past few weeks, I noticed something about my 6th grade daughter that has seemed to slip past me - She is growing up! She's becoming a caring and responsible young woman, who is growing and experiencing life right before my eyes. Sometimes I miss it, sometimes I don't, and other times tears well-up in my eyes, because I don't want her to grow-up.
This year she will 13 and taking another step in life's journey (Jr. High); time sure seems to pass by really fast! The preteen years are here for only a split second and then "puff their gone" - Yet it is this twinkle in the circle of life that are some of the most important to the very being of a person. This is true physically, academically, emotionally, psychologically, morally, and most importantlly - spiritually. Spirituality affects all of these areas and becomes the foundation on which all these other areas rest. It takes time, albeit, urgent time to teach and mold a preteen into the person that God created them to be. The molding is done by the Holy Spirit, but the teaching is done by us - the parent(s), the minister, the small group leader, the Sunday school teacher, the grandma or grandpa, the key important adult! There are no easy how too's, no formulas, no easy button - it just takes time and patience.
Time sure seems to pass by really fast - Spend as much time as possible with your kids and don't let it slip past you!
This year she will 13 and taking another step in life's journey (Jr. High); time sure seems to pass by really fast! The preteen years are here for only a split second and then "puff their gone" - Yet it is this twinkle in the circle of life that are some of the most important to the very being of a person. This is true physically, academically, emotionally, psychologically, morally, and most importantlly - spiritually. Spirituality affects all of these areas and becomes the foundation on which all these other areas rest. It takes time, albeit, urgent time to teach and mold a preteen into the person that God created them to be. The molding is done by the Holy Spirit, but the teaching is done by us - the parent(s), the minister, the small group leader, the Sunday school teacher, the grandma or grandpa, the key important adult! There are no easy how too's, no formulas, no easy button - it just takes time and patience.
Time sure seems to pass by really fast - Spend as much time as possible with your kids and don't let it slip past you!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
One of the biggest statements made by the preteens that I minister to is - "I'm hungry, do we get snacks?" Preteens love to eat and having snacks are a big part of their day. Many kids come Sunday mornings without having had breakfast and many more come to our midweek programming without eating dinner (and if they did eat, they still want and need their snacks) What does a situation like this do to a learning enviroment - well it hinders the learning enviroment! Preteens can't focus on teaching points, because they are not feeling well, or they are constantly interupting you with questions about snacks, or "when class is over, so that I can go home to eat"statement. They become irritable and grouchy. Hunger is a huge felt need for this age group.
Solution? Well for us, providing snacks for the amount of 5th and 6th graders that we see every week is not possible. So what we did was create the "Preteen Canteen". The Preteen Canteen is where our preteens (Jr. highers and High schoolers are also coming to our Canteen) can buy snacks items to help curb their hunger pains. Prices are reasonable (most items are .25 and nothing is over .50) and there is a one dollar spending limit. The Preteen Canteen is open on Wednesday nights for about 20 minutes (beginning 10 minutes before our hour begins and 10 minutes into the hour). This gives preteens plenty of time to get and eat their snacks before large group time begins. The Canteen is also open on Sunday mornings for about 15 minutes before our preteen worship hour. While we would like to have it open for all three Sunday morning services, it is not possible, so we decided to open it during the service hour that has the most hang-out time for our preteens. I have one adult in charge of the Canteen, with a rotation of hand picked 5th and 6th graders helping out in a limited role on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Some basic rules for the Canteen are: 1. Pick up after yourself 2. No eating when worship service or large group time starts 3. It's up to your small group leader to allow you to eat during small group time. If any of these are violated in large scale incidences, we close the Canteen for a determined time.
One of the things that we decided in the beginning was that the Preteen Canteen was not going to exist for profit.The purpose of the Canteen is to be one of the ministry tools of "The Edge" (Our preteen ministry), not a money maker, and if we did make a profit (Which we do and you will), the money would go to the missionaries that our preteen ministry supports. What we have done for budget reasons, is to include our "The Edge" t-shirt sales into the Canteen budget, so that together they are self-supporting. You can also use the snacks from the Canteen for other ideas, such as prize give-aways. We hold drawings with our computer check-in name tags on Wednesday nights and winners get to pick something from the Canteen. Also, on the last Wednesday night of the month, previous winners are put into a large drawing and 1st prize is a prize card that is worth five .50 trips to the Canteen (it's cool because the cards are hole-punched after each visit) and a "The Edge" t-shirt.
Hope this helps
Joe
Solution? Well for us, providing snacks for the amount of 5th and 6th graders that we see every week is not possible. So what we did was create the "Preteen Canteen". The Preteen Canteen is where our preteens (Jr. highers and High schoolers are also coming to our Canteen) can buy snacks items to help curb their hunger pains. Prices are reasonable (most items are .25 and nothing is over .50) and there is a one dollar spending limit. The Preteen Canteen is open on Wednesday nights for about 20 minutes (beginning 10 minutes before our hour begins and 10 minutes into the hour). This gives preteens plenty of time to get and eat their snacks before large group time begins. The Canteen is also open on Sunday mornings for about 15 minutes before our preteen worship hour. While we would like to have it open for all three Sunday morning services, it is not possible, so we decided to open it during the service hour that has the most hang-out time for our preteens. I have one adult in charge of the Canteen, with a rotation of hand picked 5th and 6th graders helping out in a limited role on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Some basic rules for the Canteen are: 1. Pick up after yourself 2. No eating when worship service or large group time starts 3. It's up to your small group leader to allow you to eat during small group time. If any of these are violated in large scale incidences, we close the Canteen for a determined time.
One of the things that we decided in the beginning was that the Preteen Canteen was not going to exist for profit.The purpose of the Canteen is to be one of the ministry tools of "The Edge" (Our preteen ministry), not a money maker, and if we did make a profit (Which we do and you will), the money would go to the missionaries that our preteen ministry supports. What we have done for budget reasons, is to include our "The Edge" t-shirt sales into the Canteen budget, so that together they are self-supporting. You can also use the snacks from the Canteen for other ideas, such as prize give-aways. We hold drawings with our computer check-in name tags on Wednesday nights and winners get to pick something from the Canteen. Also, on the last Wednesday night of the month, previous winners are put into a large drawing and 1st prize is a prize card that is worth five .50 trips to the Canteen (it's cool because the cards are hole-punched after each visit) and a "The Edge" t-shirt.
Hope this helps
Joe
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