Junior High Ministry

Many people run scared from the middle school youth room. But (thankfully!) there are people out there who are actually drawn to those young teens. Although often times they’re not equipped to deal with the unique challenges that middle school ministry presents, or they’re just not sure what to do when a room full of young teens (who are “part child, but not quite adult”) are running around the youth room. Finally, there’s a comprehensive guide to middle school ministry, from two veterans of this unchartered territory. Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin help youth workers understand the importance of middle school ministry, the development process for young teens and their implications for ministry, and how to best minister to these sometimes misunderstood students. They share their experiences (as middle school pastors and parents of middle schoolers), giving youth workers he encouragement, hope, and training they need to succeed in middle school ministry.

A comprehensive, expanded and updated edition of a classic work, Junior High Ministry, this is a non-academic though practical manual for approaching and implementing ministry to early adolescents.

Rowdy, restless, silly, out of control, moody, vulgar, disrespectful, unpredictable -- this may be the junior high stereotype, writes youth ministry expert Wayne Rice. But early adolescents' enthusiasm, loyalty, energy, candidness, and willingness to learn -- these more than compensate for the well-publicized hazards of working with middle schoolers. In this edition of Junior High Ministry -- updated and expanded to reflect the realities of middle school ministry at the turn of the century -- the cofounder of Youth Specialties takes a comprehensive look at the early adolescent experience: - A case for junior high ministry -- and what it takes to work effectively with junior highers. - New material of turn-of-the-century trends in the youth culture -- and on programming for kids living in this culture. - A chapter each on the five pivotal areas of development -- physical, social, intellectual, psycho-emotional, and faith -- among junior highers. - Altogether new chapters on parental involvement and mentoring in the context of junior high ministry . . . all topped off with 50 creative and practical ideas -- fun and games, Bible study openers, mixers, entire events -- that are tailored for junior highers in Sunday school, the youth room, or your living room. Whether you're training for youth work or a trainer of youth workers, Junior High Ministry will keep finding its dog-eared way to the top of your most used resources.

Includes chapter responses from Heather Flies, Scott Rubin, Kenny & Elle Campbell, Katie Edwards, and more.Few areas of ministry are as intense, unpredictable, and chaotic as junior high ministry-but that craziness is probably one of the reasons you're drawn to it!Kurt Johnston and Justin Herman are your guides in this revised and expanded edition of a youth ministry classic. Their goal in Controlled Chaos is simple: to share their experience, insight, and a desire to provide a little bit of hope and help so you can effectively serve the middle school students in your church.As youth ministry veterans, Kurt and Justin know the key to effective junior high ministry: PARENTS ] CARING ADULT FOLLOWER OF JESUS + JUNIOR HIGHER = GOOD STUFFAnd this book unpacks how to turn that ministry formula into ministry reality: Understanding today's junior higherBuilding an effective team of quality volunteersMinistering to and partnering with parents and familiesPursuing and promoting creativity in your ministryIdentifying your ministry's purposeTeaching and speaking effectively to young teenagersHaving fun-yes, FUN-at churchBecoming a spiritually healthy leaderAccept the mess. Welcome the madness. Embrace the chao

A biblical, practical, and culturally-relevant approach to junior high ministry. Topics include the world of the junior higher, ministry with parents, creative planning, programming on purpose, presenting the good news to junior high students, purposeful fun, visionary leadership, and perseverance. Other features include comments from real junior high kids and questions for reflection.

This updated and expanded version of an industry classic by one of America's best-known youth pastors unlocks the keys to a healthy, impactful middle school ministry.