FourFiveSix.org: Great Ideas for your Preteen Ministry

This is the final episode! Instead of 4, 5, or 6 minutes, this grand finale a little longer! We are slowing down with this one and taking time to close out this entire podcast! Imagine gathering around the campfire with Sean, Dayna, Makenna, Chris, Jaime, and Patrick as they look back over their many years of doing preteen ministry together and recording episodes of this podcast. Closure is so important with preteens, and today, we're going to have some of our closure as we put a big ol' bow on the great ideas podcast.

We're almost to the end of this podcast. From the beginning, the goal was 456 episodes. 9.5 years later, we've made it! Just like anything we do in ministry, it's might be easy to just hit publish on the last episode and simply move on to the next task. BUT TODAY, Sean encourages us to pause for a moment at the end of anything we accomplish for God's Kingdom. And in the pause, take time to reflect and rejoice BEFORE rushing on to the next thing. God is good. Let's pause to celebrate what he's doing in our lives and ministries each time we finish a small or big project.

Explore the power of plodding—taking small, consistent steps to achieve large, daunting goals. In today's episode, Sean highlights the importance of steady effort in ministry.

Today on the podcast, Sean dives into the crucial topic of staying off the pedestal in ministry. Reflecting on the dangers and temptations of being placed on a pedestal, Sean shares personal experiences and valuable insights from scripture, including Matthew 23:8-12 and 1 Timothy 1:15. He discusses how unrealistic expectations can harm both leaders and their congregations, particularly impressionable preteens. Sean offers practical advice on how to stay grounded, remain relatable, and lead with humility, emphasizing the importance of servanthood in effective ministry. Join us for this heartfelt and honest conversation on "Great Ideas for Preteen Ministry."

On today's episode, Hunter Bennett of 3Circle Church in Fairhope, Alabama shares a concept his team is working on which helps them to understand the preteens at his church, specifically the behaviors exhibited at the end of midweek services: mental coins.

Today, Sean talks with Yancy about the importance of being CURIOUS. Ministry leaders who aren't seeking answers to questions they don't know the answers to aren't prepared only to repeat what they've done yesterday.

Today, Sean shares one of his favorite ways of warming up a preteen group - FOOD. But not just any food - food that inspires conversation, creativity, and community! Hear three examples of this concept, and start dreaming of more...

Sean talks once again with Michael Pritchard, creator of ChickenAndWafflesPodcast.com. Michael talks about a free tool that you can use to equip parents to help THEM engage preteens in Bible reading!

Imagine a year-long program for your oldest preteens, full of special events, discipleship discussions, and serving opportunity! On today's episode, Dan Huffman discusses his amazing year-long 5th grade discipleship program on today's episode! Check out the program right here: NPV 5th Grade Discipleship | The Compass Church    

Sean talks with Michael Pritchard about his podcast FOR PRETEENS called "Chicken and Waffles." Michael has a passion for preteens to read the Bible for themselves and ask two questions: a "chicken" question and a "waffle" question.

On today's episode, Sean discusses the importance of leaders communicating expectations to preteens. Preteens ARE listening for what is expected from them, since they have limited life experience and don't know what they should expect from themselves.

On today's episode, Sean talks with Rob Quinn about a simple game that preteens love, and which can be adapted and modified in many ways: Riverbank!

Does a tug-a-war exist in your mind between fun and Scriptural as you plan your services? Today on the podcast, Sean talks about a different way to view this tension which often exists in preteen ministry planning sessions.

Today on the podcast, we hear from the FEARLESS Angela Yracheta, who took preteens on a Mission Trip to Poland! Angela shares why this was, in fact, a GREAT IDEA.

Thanks to J12's Gregg Johnson for inspiring today's great idea (which is really just a word): MORE. Preteens are ready for more...are we inviting/challenging them to MORE? Sean talks about how your ministry can give preteens "MORE" opportunities.

Rachel Hatt from Mustang UMC introduces us to a superfun event idea, the Foam Party. Many preteens love a good water-themed event - here's something to take your next water event to the next level: FOAM!

Have you ever thought about how we tend to take a snapshot of a person and then forever think about that person in that way? Today on the podcast, Sean explores what it would mean to switch our thinking from snapshot mode to VIDEO mode, and the benefits of it. By looking at Jesus' examples in relating to Zacchaeus and Bartimaus, we see that just having a view of preteens as growing actually helps them to grow!

Ladies and Gentlemen: REstart your engines! In ministry, there is a lot of restarting: programs in the fall, planning for camp, weekly service planning. Just when you've finished something, it seems there's something to restart! All of this "restarting" can wear on a person, especially given the spiritual dimension of our work. Today Sean talks with Joni Lum from Riverside, California. Joni shares some encouragement for those who are tired of restarting. Don't give up; restart the engines!

 Do you ever have doubts...I mean questions...about the topic you're teaching on? Do those unanswered questions ever trip you up as a teacher? Today on the podcast, Sean addresses this issue and offers a tension-filled solution.

Lifeway research recently examined the top predictors of spiritual health among young adults: #4 on the list is that they primarily listened to Christian music as a kid! On today's podcast Sean talks about introducing preteens to God-honoring music during the impressionable preteen years, when many kids are starting to take ownership of their musical tastes! Peabod, recording artist from Seattle, joins Sean on the today's podcast. Thank you, Peabod, for providing all of the background tracks for today's podcast. You can find out more about Peabod at PeabodRaps.com.

Each Spring as midweek services at Destiny Church are wrapping up, the preteens have 1 extra Wednesday night that is UNLIKE any other! It's KIDFEST! Today on the podcast, Sean talks about this annual event, and why it's a win/win/win/WIN!

Have your preteens ever acting poorly and you blamed yourself? Well, maybe it wasn't you...maybe it was something as simple as the weather. On today's podcast, Sean discusses times when it's actually appropriate to "blame it on the rain," the wind, or ???

Last Sunday, while teaching the preteens, Sean experienced a moment of clarity as he saw - really saw - a preteen in the room whom Sean hadn't acknowledged all morning. It reminded him of an important truth that he discusses on today's podcast.

On today's podcast, Sean talks with Pastor Makenna Shrum about a simple new addition to their space that has revolutionized the preservice time in Elevate's Preteen Minsitry: the check out booth!

What would it look like to have preteens OWN ministries? For the past 19 years, Sean has developed preteens to become leaders in the Church. Today on the podcast, he talks about a step in this process where preteens present their proposed ministries.

Laura Ottaviano is a BOLD leader who leads young people to not just attend church, but to do so much more. She even has preteens and youth involved in writing curriculum and running adult services. Today on the podcast, Sean talks with her about her book "One Giant Leap" available at https://www.giantkidsministry.com/ .

Kevin Libick was given the gift of ministry as a preteen, and it's still impacting his life. Kevin is passionate about equipping God's people (of all ages) for the work of the ministry. Today on the podcast, he talks about the Joy of giving away ministry. This audio was from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference in Houston, TX. Find out more about the next Preteen Ministry Conference at FourFiveSix.org.

Sam Dragoli is a ministry leader in Reno who loves to help preteens know John 3:16 AND John 3:17. In today's episode, Sam talks about the importance of SEEING the preteens in your ministry. This audio was from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference in Houston, TX. Find out more about the next Preteen Ministry Conference at fourfivesix.org.

Should we give preteens direction on how to worship, or should we simply worship and hope they'll catch on? What is David's example? On today's podcast, Yancy explores this question. Get more information about the Preteen Leaders' Conference here. Get FULL recordings from past Preteen Leaders' Conferences here.

A parent resource wall is just one of Sam Beam's practical ideas that we can use to connect to parents in our ministry, and to connect parents to their preteens. Get more information about the Preteen Leaders' Conference here. Get FULL recordings from past Preteen Leaders' Conferences here.

How can you engage preteens from the moment they walk into your preteen ministry space? In today's podcast, Vicki Murello shares ideas you can implement THIS WEEK. This was part of Vicki's breakout session at the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. Get more information about the Preteen Leaders' Conference here. Get FULL recordings from past Preteen Leaders' Conferences here.

Could Virtual Reality be the future of the Church? Maybe it's already the present! In today's podcast, we hear a portion of 12:30 Media's Carl Barnhill during his session at the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. Get more information about 12:30 Media here. Get more information about the Preteen Leaders' Conference here. Get FULL recordings from past Preteen Leaders' Conferences here.

Today on the Podcast, we get a short portion of James Powell's Breakout Session from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. In this segment, James shares some encouragement for ministry leaders about your calling and equipping. Come join the gathering of intentional preteen leaders at next year's Preteen Ministry Conference. More details at FourFiveSix.org.

Today on the Podcast, we get a short portion of Melissa Whitworth's Breakout Session from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. In this segment, Melissa shares two things to consider when planning a memorable event.  Come join the gathering of intentional preteen leaders at next year's Preteen Ministry Conference. More details at FourFiveSix.org.

Today on the Podcast, we get a short portion of Hannah Bush's Breakout Session from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. In this segment, Hannah talks about her leadership's motto: "Bring someone along," and why this approach to ministry is a great idea. Come join the gathering of intentional preteen leaders at next year's Preteen Ministry Conference. More details at FourFiveSix.org.

Today on the Podcast, we get a short portion of Patrick Snow's Breakout Session from the 2023 Preteen Ministry Conference. In this segment, Patrick talks about some of the barriers that we face as we teach preteens.  Come join intentional preteen leaders like Patrick Snow and others at next year's Preteen Ministry Conference. More details at FourFiveSix.org.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with a new preteen pastor, Makenna Shrum, about the importance of evaluating ministry. Taking time to evaluate "how things are going" with trusted individuals can help as you raise the value of your ministry to preteens.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Kevin Meier of SeeKevinDraw.com about the importance of setting aside budget for exceptional graphics. Mediocre graphics communicate a lack of importance or excitement to preteens; don't settle! Aim higher! 

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with Carl Barnhill of 12:30 Media about the importance of digital media in conveying messages to young people, and four practical ways to do it.

Having Preteens welcome preteens is a great way to immediately set the tone for visitors that your ministry is a place where preteens are empowered. On today's podcast, Sean talks about several ways to do this.

Have you ever wanted to address a controversial topic with your preteens, but weren't sure where to start? Today on the podcast, Sean talks about a good starting point when you want to tackle a controversial topic...start with the TRUTH.

Today on the podcast, Sean talks with the author of a brand new Children's Ministry powerhouse book called "When You See Fireflies" by Janine McNally, and the heart behind this endeavour and her website, Grace4Kidz.

Today on the Podcast, Sean talks about the benefits of memorize a lesson rather than teach it from a script. In addition, he gives some tips on how to do that.

Today on the Podcast, Sean talks with Sam Beam, the host of a brand-new preteen ministry podcast that you should check out! Sam is young, energetic, and has so much to share about Intentional Preteen Ministry!

Sean takes a look at the way we introduce games to preteens and suggests that we K.I.S.S. long game instructions goodbye.

Talking with One Hope Canada on this episode, Sean discusses how their social platform for ministries can be used in preteen ministries.

Imagine what would happen if you let your preteens plan and run the next outreach event for your ministry. Sean did this in Indiana recently, and you'll hear about the awesome results.

In Episode 407, Melody explained how she got "out of the canoe" to try a new idea at her church. This episode, Melody explains the new idea that they are trying out instead of VBS.

What tradition needs to be scrapped to get your ministry moving in ways that are more intentionally aligned with your mission statement? Are you trying to "canoe the mountains"? Today on the podcast, Melody Pfeffer talks about getting out of the canoe.

Today on the Podcast, we get an update from Clint May of L.I.T. Preteen Ministries, who is celebrating 20 years of ministry!