From Children's to Student's
The transition from children’s ministry to student ministry is not an easy one. It may seem like a very exciting change in the lives of the tweens in your church, but underneath the excitement, your kids are dealing with the anxiety of soon becoming the small fish in a big and unknown sea. It can be very scary, especially for children who may not have older siblings in student ministry already. There are a few things that youth pastors, youth interns, and the church in general can do to make this transition easier for kids and their parents.
Mentorship and discipleship is such a crucial piece of the kingdom of God, and the church needs to learn to utilize it in every aspect of their ministry. In Matthew 28, Jesus preaches this to His disciples, saying “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” True discipleship and mentorship, filtered by the Word of God, is how Jesus commands us to share the good news of the Gospel. Discipleship can be easily implicated between students who are mature in their faith and younger children who will soon be in student ministry. Creating those relationships where students are leading as a role model and pouring in the lives of younger kids can ease the anxiety of transitioning into student ministry because it bridges the invisible gap between the two groups and allows a space for relationships that would not be cultivated otherwise.
Moving into a new season of life can be very stressful for a tween, but their parents are also most likely feeling some stress as well. Parents want to be informed about the things going on in their child’s life such as upcoming youth events, new study material, and how to continue helping their student at home. Sending out a weekly or even monthly newsletter for new students and their parents can be incredibly helpful and leaves no room for schedule-related worry or stress. Having a plethora of information available to students about things going on within the youth group or even personally reaching out and inviting them to an event can make them feel included and acknowledged because someone wants to see them there. Little things can make a big difference in limiting anxiety in times of transition.
Times of change are exciting, but most of the time can bring some anxiety as well. Understand that it’s okay for your students to be nervous, and let them know that it is normal to feel anxious. Have older students share their experiences and connect with incoming students. Celebrate their arrival into the student ministry. Step out of your comfort zone to make them feel welcomed, wanted, and comfortable. Match their 11 year old energy while creating a Godly atmosphere where they will thrive and be continually poured into. The tween years are so influential and impactful, and loving these kids right where they are is so important. You have been entrusted to help raise these kids up to be young men and women who passionately chase after the Lord with all their hearts.
Some final thoughts when considering the transition between children’s ministry and student ministry:
What are some ways that older students can get involved with children’s ministry?
How can we as a student ministry make incoming students feel welcomed, comfortable, and individually acknowledged?
In what ways could we easily reach students and their families with information about the student ministry?