Somewhere between childhood and adolescence, we find kids in a highly transitional phase of development. They are often realizing that their church experience is exasperatingly too young or too old, too simple or too intimidating. And like Goldilocks, they are searching for something in the middle, something that is “just right”. 

We’ve spent their preschool and early elementary years learning God’s Big Story in the Bible, and now our preteens are beginning to view their faith from a more mature mindset. Our job of teaching God’s Big Story isn’t over until a kid has the tools to know what to do with it. What they already know about the Bible doesn’t automatically translate into living out authentic faith in a relationship with Christ. They have questions. We want the church to be the safest place for kids to ask those questions and learn how the Bible applies to their lives. They’ll spend much of their student ministry years exploring how it does, and we want to do all we can to support them as they prepare to move up to the next level of ministry.

The first step to intentional ministry to the preteen age group is to give them a space to call their own. It doesn’t need to be fancy - having a dedicated area for kids immediately makes them feel important. “Area 54” is that space at Charity. Several years ago, we began using it to minister to kids in 4th and 5th grade while still using a similar teaching model to what our K-3rd grade groups use. This year, we’re excited to offer a new kind of preteen experience on Wednesday nights that will allow our 4th & 5th graders to explore their faith in a new way, ask their big questions, and continue to learn more about God’s Big Story. 

On Sunday mornings, preteens will continue to experience a more traditional Sunday School class structure with small group content created specifically for their age group. 

The name of this preteen youth group? “The Messengers”. The name is based on Jesus’ prayer for His followers, before the crucifixion, from John 17. Jesus sends His followers into the world to spread His message of love and salvation. We want to prepare and equip our kids to do just that. “Area 54” was also inspired by this passage of scripture, which seems fitting!

We’ll start the year off with an interactive devotional written by Kellen Moore (of ‘Bible Stories with Kellen’ fame - your kids know who he is!) that explores using the Fruit of the Spirit to influence the world around us. We’ll also be looking for guest leaders to share their testimonies, object lessons, or use their gifts to help our kids experience faith from many perspectives. We’re looking forward to giving kids service and leadership opportunities throughout the year as well. If you have any interest in being part of this ministry on a regular, short-term, or one-time basis I would love to explore those options with you.