I was challenged this week to get rid of distractions – in my ministry as well as my life. All of us agree that Jesus should be the focus of our preteen ministry. We want our students to find Him and grow closer to Him. But, how much of what we do really points to Jesus?
I just purchased new furniture and added lots of lights that change color, project images, and are, in general, cool. We play music, broadcast videos, play games, and decorate with fun themes. These are all intended to draw students to our ministry. I’m wondering, though, if some of this could also be distracting students from our primary focus. Will students be as excited about their prayer time as they are about their hang time? Will they remember as much about the lesson as they do about the game they played?
I’m not suggesting that we go back to stark walls and serious lectures, but I am wrestling with how to use all this “cool stuff” appropriately so I can keep the “one thing” the one thing.
How do you keep the “one thing” the one thing?
I hear your concern but I would always lean on the side of having “cool” environments. Think back to when you were a student… what specific lessons really stand out? If you are anything like me, my journey started with people and places and not teaching. That’s what I remember from 5th grade. I remember that the people at church loved God and loved me. And (very important AND) it was a cool place to go. It’s not an either or statement it’s a both and. Cool place / Jesus minded. Jesus operated this way with miracles, draw people in and tell them truth. So draw preteens in, stay balanced, and stay humble but rock your environment in every way possible! Also change it up now and then. You don’t teach the same lesson all year why have the same room all year? Great thoughts about ministry! I keep “the one thing” the one thing in all I do. Excellence in environments is no different no matter my budget or size Jesus can be found in the details of making people comfortable, excited, engaged, and the list goes on. So yes keep Jesus the priority but with the right perspective. God has given us the tools to reach the world. Your world happens to be Preteens
Philippians 4:7-9 – And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks for the post!
Mike Branton
Preteen Pastor
Sun Valley Community Church
I like to think of the ministry as the spotlight and Jesus as the focus. The brighter the spotlight, the better!