4 Rules To Growing A Healthy Middle School Ministry

When you think about middle school do you smile or get shivers?

I believe there are two types of adults, those of us who loved our middle school years and those of us who avoid it at all costs. I liked my middle school years and while I might not be alone I know I’m not in the majority. For those of us in ministry who fear the reliving the chaos and awkwardness of those years running a healthy program might be a challenge. To help you out here are four rules to guide you in running a growing program:

RULE #1: KEEP THEM MOVING

Middle school students aren’t meant to sit still in classrooms, or on the floor for an extended period. Make sure small groups, large group, and any other arrangement include activities that get them up and physically moving around.

For Large Groups:

There are a variety of games out there to get the group moving (Check out Download Youth Ministry for ideas). You can also play classics like Simon Says or Captain on Deck. If you have a gym with basketball hoops, allow time for them just to run around, shoot baskets and get energy out before you begin with structure.

For Small Groups:

Get them as interactive as possible. Some of our groups throw around a ball while they chat. We have others who break out markers and paper to color. We’ll build in puzzles and team building activities so that the teens don’t get bored.

Keep your teens moving, and you’ll help them burn off the energy that sometimes they have to hold in during the school week. Allow them to release all the craziness that goes on in their lives.

RULE #2: REMIND THEM THAT YOU ARE HUMAN

Middle school students will not only appreciate your humility, but they’ll sniff out inauthenticity. If you want to connect with your middle school teens, let them know that you’ve failed, felt awkward or struggled when you were their age. You don’t have to go into a whole lot of detail, but knowing that you were just like them will help them accept the challenges they are facing. They’ll see you as someone who despite the journey turned out okay.

RULE #3: LISTEN TO THEIR WORLD BEFORE YOU TRY TO FIX IT

As you might remember there is a lot that goes on in the life of middle school students. From physical to emotional changes it’s hard to keep it all together. Your teens want to know that they have a place safe to vent and share what’s going on in their lives. They need to know that someone will take them seriously and hopefully that is you. Before you try to tell them what they should be doing take time to hear their story. You might find something enriching that could form a powerful connection.

RULE #4: BELIEVE IN THEIR ABILITY

There are middle school students that have skills, talents, and abilities to take your ministry to the next level. They will also have a perspective that can help you improve the way you reach others (And not just their peers) in the community. Don’t be afraid to give them some responsibility. Yes, they could mess up but so can adults; however, middle school students are a little more open to being taught.

Middle school students, like the rest of us, are a work in progress. The more you invest in them, the more it will bless the entire parish. You’ll create momentum that will impact both children and high school ministry. You’ll create a place fueled by the love of Christ, which is what every middle school student needs.

What are some of the best practices you have used in growing a middle school program?