FourFiveSix.org: Great Ideas for your Preteen Ministry

Some truths from scripture are so fantastic and mind-blowing that the best way to explain them is through a “magic trick”, an illusion.

Today, Sean explains why you shouldn’t shy away from doing an illusion, even if you’ve never done one before. You have the skill – and with practice, you, too, can amazing and fascinate. More importantly, you can create a powerful ministry moment when you turn that illusion into an illustration of a spiritual truth.

If you are looking for illusions that you can learn before this Sunday, check out these two resources:

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Many preteens love #selfies. But really, this is just a modern version of the classic photo booth, right? So, why not build your own photo booth for preteens to enjoy at your next service or event?

Today, Mike Sheley returns to talk with Sean about how you can build your very own old-school photo booth for less than $100. You could probably do it for $50, actually. We talked about another similar, less expensive (but not nearly as cool) option on a podcast episode back in May.

As Mike talks about building a photo booth, he shares these two resources:

Would you rather read Mike’s thoughts on this? Check out the article he wrote for juniorhighministry.org.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Mike Sheley from Indiana talks with Sean today about a major event they are putting on this Friday – Black Light Night: an event that can easily be altered and tailored to your own preteen ministry.

As Mike discusses black light night in today’s podcast, he mentions these three resources:

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

This can be a really great time of year to celebrate and spend quality time with your volunteers. A Christmas Party can become a tradition that your volunteers look forward to with great anticipation.

Today, Sean talks about Elevate’s yearly Volunteer Christmas Party, how it’s structured, and what the intention of the evening is.

Raise the value of your preteen ministry leaders this Christmas season with a volunteer party! What a great idea!

Mentioned in today’s podcast was Caine’s Arcade – a YouTube Video that can inspire you and your volunteers any time of year.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Making space for students to pray, and to lead their peers in prayer, can create powerful and meaningful moments for your preteens. Today, Sean shares 5 different ways to give students a chance to LEAD and prayer.

Mentioned in today’s podcast was the 5th Grade Helper program. We have a podcast episode giving an overview of this program, and are planning to record 4 more episodes giving more details about this discipleship program.

The audio clip on today’s podcast is from Elevate’s Live Preteen Worship CD.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

How many battle stories can you think of in the Bible? How many spiritual battles will preteens face as they get older? How much fun would it be to shoot all of your preteens with a Nerf Gun?

In light of the answers to these questions, Elevate has put on a Boys’ Night Nerf War for the past three years. It’s been a blast! Listen to today’s podcast to hear how Elevate has organized their Nerf War and gather ideas for your very own simple, free, fun event.

Mentioned in today’s podcast was The Onference and The Launchinar. Check both of those out at www.fourfivesix.org.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

A conference can be such a great experience for ministry leaders. You have the opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded people, get new ideas for your ministry, refresh and renew your vision for what God is calling you to do, etc. etc. etc. etc.

The benefits of a good conference can be GIGANTIC! So, today’s great idea is to plan to attend one next year and start pitching the idea now to your board and senior pastor.

INCM has a new commitment to preteen ministry, which is so exciting! They also wanted to get the word out about a Black Friday Deal they are offering – check it out here.

Rental car, hotel room, and airfare costs can make a conference too expensive to attend. If you’re in this boat, check out FourFiveSix.org’s online conference for preteen ministry leaders. It’s going to be awesome!

Whatever you do, plan to attend some kind of gathering of preteen ministry leaders in 2016. It’s a really GREAT idea.

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Week after week, the preteens come into your classroom setting. And while predictability and stability minister to preteens, the consistency of how your services are structured may become boring or may be causing your services to be forgotten (because they’re all so similar).

Today, Sean talks about one way to shake things up, in a way that doesn’t distract from your lesson, but actually enhances your lesson: Going outside.

You’ll hear 4 examples of how going outside during a service has created memorable ministry moments for the preteens in Elevate.

“I can’t take the preteens outside. I’ll lose control.” Today’s podcast will help you think again about this.

“I’ve got too many kids to take them outside.”   Today’s podcast will help you think again about this.

All of this jammed into a 6 minute podcast. Check it out! And share your ideas of outdoor object lessons in the comment section below.

By the way…

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Today, a very simple and effective object lesson for demonstrating how powerful the effect of influence can be on the lives of preteens (and chickens).

By the way…

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.

Does the point of the lesson and the focus of the preteens get lost somewhere between the large group time and the small group time? Are the first few minutes of small group spent refocusing the kids before jumping into the small group activity or discussion?

Today, Sean talks about an experiment they’ve been doing in Elevate for the past few years which is helping to remedy these issues. Instead of closing the chapter on large group and then sending them to small group (and vise verse), the preteens are preparing for small group time DURING the large group time….and preparing for the large group time DURING the small group time.

Listen to today’s podcast and hear the details of this great idea, and see how your preteens can connect the dots from large group to small group and back again.

By the way…

Have a question about preteen ministry or a unique preteen ministry idea that we can feature on our podcast? Send it to [email protected]. Looking for a great community of preteen leaders that you can plug into? Join us at http://fourfivesix.org/.