ReStart in Youth Ministry

if you are serious about reaching preteens, you need to be serious about providing them with a

picture from LifeWay preteen

space where they feel comfortable. i've seen preteen ministries setup in small rooms, large rooms, medium room and even hallways. they key to opening the door of connection into the church for any preteen ministry is relationships, but don't under estimate the power of decor.

preteens love bright funky colours along with the soothing glow of hd tv's with great sound and video game systems. others love loud physical activity like mini sticks, ping-pong or air hockey. you also need a quieter place to hang out and chat, read or drink a cup of tea.

if i was to start a preteen ministry from scratch, i would set aside a portion of my budget on creating a new, exciting, and inviting spot for preteens.

since budgets are becoming tighter and tighter these days and we being asked to to more with less, here are some creative ways to design and build a preteen room on a tight budget.

• find the largest unused space in your church and ask your leadership for it. a larger space is better for a preteen room so you can have an active and quiet area.
• paint your ceiling tiles or hang old camp t-shirts if you have rafters.
• add unique lighting and furniture ideas throughout the room. ikea is a great option if you have one near you. if not, try a second hand thrift store and go retro in your design.
• ask for old game systems and computers so you can have a technology section.
• scapbook paper and picture design is very powerful and allows preteens to add to the decor of their room.
• collect board games and music for them to pick and choose for their ambience. itunes lets attenders choose their music from a play list if you have wifi access for your kids.
• buy a flat screen tv and show music videos on it or home made ministry event videos.

@jeffsmyth

September!?!

March Break is finished this weekend and what begins next week is the beginning of spring and soon a transition into summer. The next 90 days of youth ministry are fast and furious and full of transitions. Easter, May long weekend, school & ministry shifting into summer mode, then gearing up for summer planning for your fall launch, PLUS budget planning and submission (if your organization is in this cycle.

Here's a few things that you can do to keep your schedule balanced and your spiritual life in tact during the next 90-120 of ministry before September.

1. Pray. Schedule a daily time of prayer, asking God for wisdom, discernment, and guidance as you start to make plans. Asking Him that you will be sensitive to the leading of His Holy Spirit as you move ahead and the days in the calendar tick by.
2. Notes. Make lots and lots of notes of what you're hearing God say and what you are hearing the Holy Spirit say to you about what the future holds.
3. Read. Don't just read ministry books, read biographies of George Muller & Hudson Taylor, both free on KOBO as suggestions.
4. Share. Share your ideas and thoughts about the future of ministry with 3 trusted individuals. Two should be key volunteers and one ministry peer, that you respect, from another ministry. Get their thoughts and ideas of what you're sharing from your heart and conversations with God.

I'm praying for you that you will have fun in the next 90-120 days and that they will also be some of the best days of your ministry year. We start this thing all back up in September.

Jeff Smyth