"Tweens," "Preteens," or "Junior Youth," AKA People ages 9-12 – who are these people?
They are not kids, and they are not yet teenagers. They are "in-between," hence the terms "Tweens" or "Preteens." Are they people or, at times, unpredictable, unrecognizable creatures who emerge with random actions and exceptional words that come out of their mouths – and what about the raging hormones? Tweens are searching for who they are and testing out their potential. Honestly, this has always been my favourite age group to pastor.
Tweens are ready for fun and new experiences and thrive on the ridiculous. Preteens are teachable, impressionable, and real thinkers about faith and life situations. They can lead and bring positive energy if they are given the opportunity and mentored well.
Physiologically, Tweens are right in the middle of the fastest growth rate they will experience in their lifetime (besides ages 0-2). Growth spurts and puberty's onset often result in clumsiness and awkwardness; they change faster than their bodies can adapt. www.kidcentraltn.com
Socially and emotionally, Tweens "need" to belong. A church with a great preteen program is the perfect place to meet this need. Tweens work to form closer friendships and become loyal to those they trust. They start choosing to become part of adult conversations rather than being with "the kids" in social situations.
Mentally, a Tween's brain is emerging in abstract thought, which is the perfect time for deeper theological conversations. They can move from "concrete" to more abstract thinking and better comprehend faith concepts.
Spiritually, it is critical at this age that very intentional discipleship happens – giving numerous opportunities for Tweens to know, own and do or walk out their faith in Christ.
Know:
Preteens need to know what they believe:
In their faith journey, Tweens need to progress from believing in Jesus to understanding why they personally believe in Jesus
Tweens need to investigate the basics of the Christian faith with a leader and/or parent who can ask good questions, cultivate discussion, and facilitate "Aha" moments, especially regarding these foundational faith components: Who is God? What is the Bible? What is salvation? What is my purpose?
Own:
Preteens need to move towards owning their faith:
With understanding – ask Jesus to be the Lord and leader of their life. This period of time in one's life is what I call the "key decision age." I believe the majority of the age group in the 4-14 window make the decision that sticks for life at this stage (63% of decisions made for Christ are made before the age of 14).
This is evidenced by Tweens initiating their own faith development by reading the Bible, practicing devotional and prayer life, and sharing their faith with others.
To Do or Walk Out their Faith:
Tweens need to be in serving or apprenticeship roles in the church. This is an ideal age to start a leadership pipeline, serving in the church in a capacity where they feel they give value to their church and they feel valued by their church. This is a critical way for Tweens to grow in their faith at this developmental stage and have fun serving with their peers. Awana has kept track of the effects of intentional discipleship, which is evidenced in its program, which includes a leadership pipeline. They surveyed adults ages 18-74 in their Impact Study who went through the Awana program, and the results are incredible.
The important thing to take away from this study is the principle of discipleship and leadership pipeline.
Recommendations:
Create a "Preteen Group" that allows lots of opportunities for building relationships, investigating faith, opportunities to serve in their church and, of course, including fun activities and events that they can invite friends to – preteens are the best inviters in the church. Recruit highly relational leaders who are good role models, can mentor/coach tweens, are fun to be with, and have a good handle on how to study God's word.
Some key thought-provoking points are taken from The Art of Group Talk by Phillips and Duckworth, © 2018 the reThink Group Inc.
"Before a kid can engage in a conversation about a God that cares about them, they may need to connect with people who care about them." (p. 35)
"Before a kid can know God loves them, they may need to be known by people who know God." (p. 58)
"Before a kid can connect with God, they may need to connect with someone who's connected with God." (p. 50)
Books and Resources to Recommend:
Jesus at 12 by Gregg Johnson
The Art of Group Talk by Phillips and Duckworth
Dare to be a Daniel series by Billy Graham Society
Let Go and Run Beside by Sean Sweet
References:
The Art of Group Talk by Phillips and Duckworth
Kathy has over 25 years of experience with preteens and raising her own preteens
Kathy has worked with kids and families for over 30 years in church settings (small, medium, cross-cultural, large, and mega-sized churches), school settings, and early childhood settings. She is presently the Children and Family Ministries specialist at the ABNWT District Resource Centre. She thrives on collaborating and coaching leaders, helping them thrive.