How to Start a Youth Group for Preteens

Preteen youth groups often meet weekly, make crafts, and learn Bible stories.

Many churches offer youth groups for different ages of children. A church develops a preteen youth group to minister to children 9 to 12 years old. Children in this age group are often too old to meet with younger kids but not old enough to join in teenage discussions. An age-appropriate youth group helps teach biblical lessons and values in a manner that relates to preteens.

Instructions

1. Talk to your church leaders. If you are interested in starting a youth group for preteens, find out if that is something the church would like. The church leaders will discuss it, and let you know if they agree with your suggestion..

2. Ask for volunteers. Make an announcement in church and in the church's bulletin that you are looking for volunteers to help with a preteen youth group. If you are the one starting the group, most likely you will be the one running the group. Every youth group needs an organized, dedicated leader to take charge. Volunteers are needed for several reasons. Some can be teachers, music leaders, craft helpers, or snack-makers.

3. Plan how the group will operate. Meet with volunteers, and discuss the group. Determine how often you will meet, the curriculum you will use, and delegate duties to each volunteer. Make a schedule for the meeting time as well, deciding how long the youth group will meet. Talk about all activities that will occur during the meeting, and list them in order, limiting each activity to a certain amount of time.

4. Purchase the things you need. Many churches give their youth groups a budget. Determine the budget, and plan accordingly. Buy all items you need for the group, including lesson plans, craft supplies, and music CDs.

5. Announce the group. Once everything is planned, and the first meeting is scheduled, begin announcing the meetings. Put the news in the bulletin, on the church's announcement board and Web site, and in the local newspaper.

References

• Student Ministry Network; Ten Tips for Starting a Church Youth Group Ministry; Tim Schmoyer