Articles for tag: Junior High Ministry

April 30, 2012

By Kurt Johnston My middle school ministry career began when I was 22 and trying to finish college. Over the years I”ve made a lot of mistakes, done a few things right, and learned a ton of lessons. In no particular order, here are some of the more significant lessons and aha moments I”ve experienced. God Is in Control I”m sure that, like me, you believe that. I”m also sure that, like me, your actions often betray that belief. But I”ve learned that I”m not smart enough, creative enough, savvy enough, or spiritual enough to manufacture the things that

August 18, 2011

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Youth & Children's Ministry

Interview with Keith Poletiek

By Brad Dupray As a boy, Keith Poletiek lived the life of “Johnny Lazarus,” the namesake character in a book series Keith devised to encourage young people toward evangelism. As a popular children”s conference speaker and author, Keith has also connected with children through Project316 (pronounced three-one-six) to motivate, train, and encourage young believers to take the message of John 3:16 to the world. Keith grew up at First Christian Church of Huntington Beach where he learned the beach culture of Southern California; he now uses that as a means of telling the message of Christ. In addition to his

September 1, 2010

Christian Standard

Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

Growing Like Jesus: Hearing God Through People

By Glen Elliott (Glen Elliott was among eight Christian leaders asked to share what helps them mature just as Jesus did. Elliott serves as lead pastor with Pantano Christian Church, Tucson, Arizona and as a CHRISTIAN STANDARD contributing editor.) ___________________ Years ago I was working as the dean of students at Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University). At the same time, I had the joy of leading the junior high ministry at my church. (It was natural. Both junior high kids and college students are just crazy enough to be fun!) I poured my life into my work and

January 13, 2008

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Youth & Children's Ministry

Giving Preteens a SuperStart!

By Patrick Snow Thank you soooo much! I can”t even begin to describe how much of a difference you have made.” These words were spoken to me as I was finishing up a phone call with one of the most grateful children”s ministers I”ve ever encountered. What had I done to deserve such a heartfelt and honoring statement? I merely helped connect the gospel of Christ to her preteen students in a way they could understand. Many churches across America have been experiencing a loss of students in the fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade age bracket. If they haven”t disappeared, they”ve

January 13, 2008

Christian Standard

Church & Ministry Youth & Children's Ministry

Defining the Win for Junior High Small Groups

By Johnny Scott Have you ever come home from a convention with great enthusiasm about your new small group master plan? You have the best volunteers ever, and you”ve communicated to parents and fellow church staff in meticulous detail how the program will be a success. The curriculum was field-tested by the leaders and chosen by the student leadership team. Everyone is excited. But somewhere between the “back-to-school kickoff” and Christmas break the impact you envisioned fizzles out. What went wrong? It just didn”t seem to add up. Let me propose you take a step backward. Ask yourself, “How did