Middle School Ministry Ideas
- Fasten a Bible name on the back of each young person. The students then ask questions of each other until each discovers who he is. Or instead of a person, use Bible animals, books of the Bible or key biblical events. For this project, pairs of students can use only one arm each. The object is to cooperate as they color a lesson page with finger paints. For example, one might hold the page while the other paints. In this way, the students learn the benefits of helping one another. Or pair the young people and give each pair a Bible phrase to illustrate. Blindfold the artist. The sighted person gives the phrase, such as "Draw Moses in the river." Give the blindfolded person time to draw without help. Instruct the blindfolded person to then ask for assistance. The other person gives directions that assist the blindfolded person in drawing the picture. Compare the pictures. Point out that God will guide them if they ask.
- Sharing their story gives middle school young people confidence in what they believe. Show the young people how to share their faith by using key Bible verses, such as John 3:16-17, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23 and 1 John 1:9. Have the young people first write about their personal walk of faith and how they came to trust in Jesus as Savior. Ask the young people to explain the difference their decision makes in their lives, giving examples. After they write their testimony, pair the young people. Have them practice their testimony aloud. Mix up the pairs and share again. Do this until the young people are comfortable sharing, then ask individuals to share in front of the whole group. Ask for time during Sunday morning services for the young people to share as well.
- Tell middle school young people that following Christ is all about sharing God's love with others. Ask them to volunteer to hand out worship bulletins, help with the nursery or assist during church work days. Plan mission trips to areas of the United States that have suffered disasters or to foreign countries where the church has a ministry but can use help with outreach or building. Have the middle schoolers list reasons for going on the mission trips. Work with them as they fund-raise. After the trip, have them send letters of thanks to those who donated so they could go on the trip. Ask them to also explain what they did and the difference the trip made in their lives.
- Assign the young people to befriend someone they sometimes try to avoid. Encourage them to look beyond what others think to stand up for those who are bullied. Teach them to go for help when someone is getting hurt by words or actions. Encourage them to invite other middle school young people to the youth group. Discuss what it means to show love at home and school. Have them memorize Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
