Author Archives:
Raised Expectations
As a middle school pastor, I have learned that clearly identified expectations and leading toward a culture that praises these expectations earns a reputation of quality and makes a big difference.
Jr. High/middle school ministry can easily be stereotyped, the brunt of jokes and skits by the Skit guys as out of control, activity driven and basically a time to extend immaturity and lack of responsibility. It is our job, as those who work with middle school students, to make sure our ministries are not characterized in these ways. God, your students, families and your church deserve more than that. If your pastor, church leaders, parents, church members and the community are shaking their head at what goes on in our ministries, how can we expect support, volunteer leaders and real growth to happen? Read the rest of this entry
The Middle Deserves Tops
Jr. High/Middle school students deserve the best a church can offer. The Jr. High ministry ought to be treated like they are the current varsity team. Without the best possible investment in middle school students, it is less likely they will be around to be part of the church when they become adults.
Imagine what it would be like if a middle school student knew they were highly valued by the church, treated like a young adult, given the best possible leaders, deep level teaching and thought of as part of the church right now!
What I want to recommend is, whatever your involvement with middle school, make those students feel like they are the varsity team. If a Jr. High student knows they are the top priority of leaders and are a needed part of the church, they will respond. They deserve the best, most educated and talented pastors and leaders. What you do as a church and what you offer Jr. High students ought to make them feel like a million bucks with their name in lights.
Put yourself in the shoes of a middle school student today. Would you want to go back to that? It’s tough. The constant frustration of not being quite old enough and struggling through independence, yet knowing you are totally dependent is frustrating.
How can this be done?
