Middle-schoolers have just crossed the bridge into adolescence, and chances are that you remember it all too well: It's no picnic! But through all the highs and lows, youth leaders must remember that 6th-, 7th- and 8th-graders are at a critical stage in their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. Keep the following key characteristics of this age group in mind as you plan and implement your youth ministry strategy to middle-schoolers.
Most middle school youth:
Have a passion for experience
As middle-schoolers begin to transition into the youth ministry, there is a zest for involvement. During this time, young people are most open to new ideas and new experiences. They are risk-takers, trying something at least once. Capitalize on this characteristic in a positive manner by providing a secure environment where new experiences can be guided and tried. Learning results from involvement. Ask yourself, "What is the learner doing as a result of what I do?"
Seek an active and accepting environment
Middle-school youth look for a place that is accepting, fun, exciting and friendly. They enjoy hanging out with their friends. Provide them with an atmosphere of acceptance and belonging, and motivation will follow. These young people are concerned with how they are treated up front. They seek consistency and security. Sixth-graders will imitate the behavior of 7th- and 8th-graders, while at the same time vacillating between childish and adolescent actions.
Desire to engage in creative experiences
Have you considered that, all through their childhood, the middle-schoolers who grew up in church have been involved in interactive Bible study? As they move into the youth ministry, if they're expected to sit still for the dissemination of information, you will sense their discomfort. Their body language and their words say, "This is boring!" Youth leaders need to provide their students with firsthand experiences of God's love. Discover ways to give them face-to-face encounters with God. Provide arenas in which they can explore their faith and discover why they believe what they do. Josh McDowell states: "Our kids are no longer asking which faith is true or most credible, but which faith works for them. So to take our students beyond subjective beliefs, we must not only show that Christianity works, but we must also show that it actively works because it is true."
Need committed ministry leaders
Middle-school youth need youth leaders who have time for them. In our instant society, people come and go quickly. Youth need adults who are ever present and help them tear down barriers that have served as defense mechanisms. They are looking for meaningful relationships with adults in whom they can confide. They seek adults who accept them as they are and empower them to grow as God has purposed and planned. Surround your young people with adult role models who reflect Christ's character in their lifestyle.
Need to complete their childhood
This is especially important for 6th-graders. Churches have moved 6th-graders into the youth ministry for many different reasons, but they have often done it prematurely. We have placed children who still respond with childlike behavior in an arena in which they are not prepared physically, mentally, socially or emotionally. Within a few months of entering the youth division, you will notice that these students begin to imitate the behavior of those with whom they come in contact, but back in the safety of their home, they act like the children they are. Talk about confusion. Teachers need materials and methods that reinforce learning for these 6th-graders who are concrete thinkers. Age group activities would be very appropriate for them.
Take advantage of these years in your middle-schoolers' lives. Knowing your "audience" will help you in your effectiveness in ministry, no matter if you're dealing with Sunday School, discipleship or missions. If you minister to your middle school students with these needs in mind, the potential impact you can make on their growth will be invaluable.