In this episode, Ashley Bohinc gives some practical and applicable practices to implement around communicating with middle schoolers. Ashley shares several key points from her new book which is focused on this topic and directs us toward some free resources to help leaders get better in this lane of ministry.
Ashley Bohinc
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Clearstream
Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.
Episode Notes
What do people need to know and understand about middle schoolers before they begin communicating?
Who we are talking to should change the way it's presentedKnow them developmentally AND culturallyCulturally – the way they communicate with one another, and what things capture their attention within cultureDevelopmentally – they way they are changing physically, emotionally,Surround yourself with people who are culturally in the trenches with middle schoolersHow do you develop content for middle schoolers?
Take time – organize your thoughts – see them play out before you presentDevelop the “pieces”Connect the dotsMake the clear transitionsScriptures: the breakdown of the words, explanation of the content/context, making abstract ideas more tangibleThink about the sequence of learning (is that the next question they are thinking about)Do you need to read the entire passage? Can you summarize the content and only read key verses?When you communicate, how do you keep their attention?
Expectation is everythingIt's a lot like bull-riding; when you fight the movement of the bull, you don't stay on as long, but if you surrender to the movement, you will last the full 8-secondsIt's more of an art than it is a scienceWhat works for someone else may not work for youPlan for them to TALK at some pointKeep their interest by keeping them involvedUse “re-engaging” techniquesHow do you get others involved in the process?
Build a teaching team and a feedback teamFind people who are passionate about middle schoolers, not just passionate about “teaching”Recruit people with different learning/communicating stylesAction Items
Read the book with a teamStart message run through / debrief processTrain up student volunteers, especially girls, to teachMinistry Boost Coaching is back!
Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.
Multiply Ministry Conference – All-Access Pass
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Special Sponsor: Clearstream
This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.