This week we are doing VBS at our church and I must say if you want a good idea – get some of your middle school students from the youth ministry to help you lead games or crafts or assist teachers.

Here’s Why:

• Tons of energy – Middle schoolers will bring a natural energy to the group. This is really great for boosting enthusiasm and creativity.
• Gives them some leadership – Since they are under an adult leader still, they are still able to lead but in a controlled way. Controlling probably isn’t the best word – more like harnessed. But what is great is they do have a wonderful ability to lead which may even surprise you!
• They can see how God can use them – As they are serving and leading remind them that God is using them throughout the week and they will begin to see it as they help out. Also they can see that ministry isn’t just for older people but rather for all ages.

Recruiting them to help I found isn’t too hard. Middle schoolers can’t drive and typically aren’t working a job although some are. So my advice to you is to simply ask them to help you. In my last 10 years of youth ministry most middle schoolers seem to be willing to do something so don’t over look them.

Here’s how to keep them focused:

• Be Upfront – Lay the ground rules and expectations of how you want them to act. Don’t be too critical or harsh because you want to still allow them to be them.
• Remind Them – Yeah short attention spans need reminding. Once you see them going the wrong way them something immediately have a quick chat them them and it usually is fine. The longer you wait to correct soemthing that irritates you the harder it is to get it back to where you want it.
• Encourage the Good Stuff – When you see something that impressed you on their leadership – give them praise and tell them that they did a great job! This also helps reinforce what they were doing and deep down inside somewhere they are smiling even if you can’t see it outwardly.

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