70 percent of young adults leave the church. We need to help kids fall in love with the church at a young age. Change can be seen as trauma. Causes mental and emotional harm. Transitions matter at every phase. Most at this phase
Who are 6th graders?
Phase with less consistency
think like engineers,
“who do I like”,
motivated by acceptance,
lots of emotions!
Crave stability!
Into conformity.
Need events they can bring a best friend to. “Who else is coming?”
Value non parental adult influences
Often mask emotions to fit in
May have romantic interests and begin to experiment with physical affection – need to talk about sex
Transitions take longer than you think – need to start 6 months out Set expectations between differences in kids and student min
Events – cross attend events. Student pastor should be greeting in kidmin and teaching. Kids pastor should be greeting and teaching in stumin
Promotion Sunday
Retreats – pre transitional
VBS alternative – setting up a similar schedule to the regular ministry
Make it a BiG deal!
We need to reach them before they need to be rescued in the middle of a high school crisis.
Why and when do you transition?
Schools celebrate so why wouldn’t we tap into to that?
Sports – what’s their schedule.
Major events and vacations need to play into this. Make their family calendar a priority in our calendar also.
Transitions in environments
More than decorations. Says you like them, you care about the,, you want them to be there. Says you’ve thought about them. Create a space where relationships can happen.
Need to be engaging. Music – always have a playlist!
Age appropriate- less children’s ministry more stumin
What’s New for them?
What do they get to do that’s different. Create a culture of anticipation.
Transition with people who matter – parents
Prepare the family. Meet with them prior to transitions. Prioritize small groups and get parents
to see the need. Help them with the hard questions. Help them know it’s ok to say I don’t know.
Let parents experience some of stumin so it’s not so scary. So they can prioritize. Resource wall
Prepare Small Group Leaders – Prep them for what it’s about to be like
Games help build relationships also. It doesn’t have to just be discussion. Leaders are mini pastors
Let parents meet leaders
“Do not hinder them” – Matthew 19:14
Team Dynamics – preschool to elementary to students Communication
Schedule open meetings
Align your messaging
Michelle Suarez 