Children's Ministry: Issues Preteens Face

As someone who ministers to preteens, you can play an essential role in helping them develop a solid sense of self and a strong, resilient faith that will weather the coming storms of the teenage years. This download is meant to give you a starting point for doing just that. To begin, you'll find several articles that address specific issues preteens are dealing with. After each article there are several "Consider" questions for you to use in your own personal reflection or to talk about with others in your church who work with preteens. Then you'll find a section called "Ministry Insights." This is the spot where you'll get some specific ideas and practical strategies for strengthening your ministry to preteens. It can be a scary world out there for your preteens?having you alongside of them, helping them navigate this time of major transition, will make a huge impact in their lives. Table of Contents: Preparing for Puberty Helping preteens navigate the turbulent waters of approaching adolescence. Debra Bruce Coping with Cliques Preteens struggle to form healthy friendships. Faith Tibbetts McDonald The Pressure to Cheat When preteens and teens see others cheating, especially without being caught, it's easy for them to question the importance of integrity. Faith Tibbetts McDonald Bullies Are Hurting Too Ministering to kids who bully others. Alicia Corts Deadening the Heart Killer video games are no 'safety valve' for preteens and teens--quite the opposite. A 'Christianity Today' editorial Preteen Pressures High-risk behaviors once limited to adolescence are finding their way into the preteen world. Kelli B. Trujillo First Steps Toward Faith Ownership An Interview with Preteen Ministry Veteran Patrick Snow. Kelli B. Trujillo Get into Their World What preteens are like and how to get to know them. Patrick Snow 5 Things Your Preteens Want You to Know Strategies for your preteen Sunday school class. Kelli B. Trujillo