It’s an enormous transition time, both for preteens and parents. How can a church assist its students entering middle school this year? Try this fresh idea.
Davis“Get-Ready-for-Middle-School School” is an info-packed, fun event planned exclusively for 6th graders entering middle school (adjust grade to fit the year middle school begins in your school district). Scheduled on a Saturday shortly before school begins, its sole purpose is to encourage preteens to excel as Christians.
Recruit a top-notch team of instructors and helpers. Design a huge “welcome to middle school” sign. Plan impressive snacks, youth group T-shirts, and info packets containing annual youth calendar, youth leaders’ contact info and church info. Personally invite every incoming 6th grader in your church. Youth leaders can call parents. Older youth hand-deliver invitations. Publicize via Facebook, e-mail, website and newsletter.
The “Get-Ready-For-Middle-School School’s” schedule is fast-paced and purposeful:
– Opening session. At registration, preteens enjoy snacks and informal fellowship with youth workers. The youth minister shares a lively, well-prepared presentation to passionately challenge youth to live as vibrant Christians in middle school. He introduces youth workers, and overviews the opportunities for Christian fellowship and discipleship at your church.
– Many mini-classes. Eight power-packed classes last just 10 minutes each, and preteens rotate from class to class. Instructors are youth leaders, role models, church members on faculty/staff of the local middle school, and godly older youth. They use handouts and visuals to teach relevant how-to topics about Christian growth, resources and inside tips for middle school life. Favorites at our church were the etiquette class, first-day tips, and secrets for a Christlike middle schooler. (More at keeponshining.com.) Some games and snacks may be interspersed.
– Prayer points. The youth minister prays for preteens by name, asking God’s blessing and guidance. Students receive a list of prayer points to remind them to shine for Jesus.
– Party time. Culminate the event with a fun, memorable activity to promote friendships, such as Frisbee golf and cookout in the park, a swim party at a church member’s pool, or a photo scavenger hunt.
– “You’re in the youth group!” Sunday morning after the event, incoming 6th graders are officially welcomed into the youth Sunday school department.
“Get-Ready-For-Middle-School School” will become a greatly anticipated annual event and an enormous encouragement for young Christian youth. “Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10 HCSB).
– Davis is a columnist, speaker, and author of “Deacon Wives” and “Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry” (B&H Publishing)Read more at www.keeponshining.com.