Middle School Monday

What were you like in Middle School? Can you remember that far back? I know for some of us it wasn't that long ago.

That's one of the biggest questions I could recommend for those of us working in Middle School to take some time reflecting on. If we can't think back and remember what Middle School was like for us it will be very hard for us to reach the generation today.

For me, I was in 7th and 8th grade in 1992-1993.
I went to a Catholic School.
I was a straight A student.
Computers were just starting to be more common in homes and so was the internet.
We had a switch of president from George Bush Sr. to Bill Clinton.
There was a change from VHS to DVD, tapes to CDs
We had shows like Growing Pains, Full House, Family Matters - Oh how I miss those
I was started to become more interested in the opposite sex
I showered more - :)
Ghost was a hit movie in the box office
The Bulls were the dominate NBA team
Some top artists at the time were: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, UB40, Gin Blossoms, Boyz II Men

What about you? Think back to you middle school time. What was hot? What were you struggling with? What emotions were you wrestling through? What was your faith like? What were your thoughts about God?

If you want to stay up on Middle School students try these things:

Watch MTV, MTV and other Music Award Shows, MTV and other Movie Award Shows, Teen Choice Awards - This will give you perspective on what your students are watching and listening to. I know, some people in church may not agree with this but I promise you it's an eye opener.

Go to the mall and observe the students there

Visit your students for lunch at their school

Ask your students about some of their favorite bands/artists, shows, magazines, movies

Get online and surf to do research

The thing I've learned in youth ministry is that the culture is always changing and we need to be watching, listening and doing our homework if we want to be effective these days.

Hope this is helpful to those of you reading. Until next time . . .

Middle School Monday

Middle School Ministry is quite a phenomenon. When I came to Nappanee Missionary Church over 4 1/2 years ago now I was a little uncertain of how Middle School ministry worked after I had been working with 7th-12th graders for 7 years prior to that. Since then God has really opened my eyes to the amazing opportunity that Middle School Ministry holds. Here's some things I've learned over the last few years:

1. Sobering statistics - Although statistics vary a little it is said that 80% of people accept Christ before age 14. This is is proof of the need for Middle School ministry and leaders who will invest in them. As I look back to my first steps with Christ they were when I was 13.

2. Investment is huge - The power of an adult who invests in a Jr. Higher is essential to their growth process. As I look at the leaders I work with currently and the leaders who worked with me when I was in Middle School, the impact an adult leader can make in their spiritual formation is priceless.

3. Moldability - One of the refreshing things with Middle Schoolers is that their middle school time is a huge window for forming their own beliefs about God, friends, worldview and more. Because they are starting to really form their opinions about these things there is a moldability to them that sometimes is harder to see in Sr. Highers.

4. Squirrely - Yes, middle schoolers can be squirrely and eratic at times but the great thing is that as an adult leader you don't have to fit in to a sterotyped role to have impact in them. You can be goofy with them, laugh with them and more than not, your athletic ability or lack their of is actually a powerful weapon.

More to come. . . stay tuned