A complete discipleship system for leading intentional preteen and youth ministry
A common misconception in preteen ministry is that it lacks depth. Many leaders struggle to find fulfillment when they can’t go “deeper” with students. However, I believe depth is present if we seek it out.
In recent months, preteens in my ministry have faced profound challenges: one lost a parent to cancer, another a sibling in a car crash, and some have parents returning from prison. Real life doesn’t spare preteens—it impacts them just as it does adults. When these hardships strike, preteens wrestle with the same existential questions we all do: Is God good? Can I trust His power? Is His word reliable? These questions open the door to dive into the depths with them.
On the other hand, if we assume preteens can’t handle deep thoughts or hard experiences, we’ll avoid challenging conversations and stunt their spiritual growth.
Here are four keys to engage deeply with your preteens and discover how God meets them in their struggles:
To understand what “real life” looks like for your preteens, get to know their stories. This means connecting with their families, asking thoughtful questions, and listening for cues about their challenges.
Preteens experience the same hardships as adults but often lack the tools to process them. Helping them name their emotions and questions equips them with the language for deeper conversations.
As you set down to plan your talks and series. Ask yourself, “What truths about God, do I want our preteens to know and understand?” Once you assemble that list, be intentional about introducing these truths as you teach and discuss.
Depth doesn’t mean complexity. You may not guide a preteen through the intricate arguments of Romans, but they can grasp profound theological truths. Present these truths simply, allowing preteens to explore deep waters, and show how they apply to their everyday lives.
As preteen ministry leaders, we must take our students seriously, digging beneath the surface into the depths of their experiences. By doing so, we can walk with them into the depths of who God is, showing them how He meets them in their questions and fears.
Deep Discipleship Preteens is a complete curriculum and system with everything you need for ministry to 4th—6th grade students.
