Product Details
Ideas for building relationships and reaching out to the preteens in your community.
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Introduction: Cold-calling preteens is definitely not a good way to reach these kids and get them to church. Engage preteens with activities they’ll love and make a special effort to engage their parents, too—that’s how you reach this age group.
Summary:
- Events designed specifically for preteens are a great way to get kids in the church doors. Create events that will make the preteens want to bring friends.
- When new preteens come to church, be intentional about connecting them to a small-group leader that will be a consistent presence for them.
- Small-group leaders are essential—you can’t make a disciple from a stage.
- Small-group leaders will build genuine relationships with the preteens. The leader is the person who knows when a preteen is having a bad day or has something to celebrate or when the preteen misses a few weeks. Leaders can hold the preteens accountable and provide a safe environment for them to express concerns.
- Reaching parents is part of preteen ministry.
- Make it an easy interaction for the parents; reach them where they are.
- Consider engaging the parents briefly at pickup and drop off times.
- Create a Facebook group for your preteens’ parents. Post pictures, celebrations, and resources.
- Two pieces of advice for preteen ministry:
- Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
- Don’t waste your time. If something isn’t working, let it go.
Thought Starters:
- Do your preteens currently bring friends to your events and activities?
- How could you improve the way you interact with your preteens’ parents?
Resources:
- 252 Preteen Curriculum
- Facebook group: “I Love Kidmin”
- Game: Death Ball