When I first started in my current position, I was really excited to work with the high school students. The middle school students were another story. It was part of my job, so I did it but I just felt out of my comfort zone with them. During the past several years, God has stretched me and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with middle school ministry. I truly enjoy and appreciate the time I get to spend with the middle school students. They’re awesome. Here are 5 of my favorite things about working with them (in no particular order)
They’re willing to try almost anything
They’re too young to have jobs or cars so there’s much less to compete with for their time
Playing games with them is a blast
…but having serious conversations with them about faith and life rocks too!
We get to watch them as they start to discover their gifts and passions
We have the opportunity to be one of the few people in their lives who don’t underestimate them
What would you add to the list?
[Image by: Geo-Forums]
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Sara Eden Williams is the Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry at the First United Methodist Church of Williamson in Williamson, NY.
Blog: http://saredn.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/saraeden
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
They appreciate you — and you don't have to be a young or a jock for them to like being with you.
I'd add to this and say that they appreciate you even though they don't always show it on the outside.
I love this post!
And one of the things I like about Jr. Highers is that they're usually pretty authentic about what they're thinking, when they sense you really want to know.
Amen to that!