3 Tips to Transition Your Student into the Big Room on Sunday Mornings
Summer is slowly coming to an end, and a new school year is upon us. This brings a mix of emotions for families of all ages, but for our student teams across the network it only builds excitement and anticipation as we eagerly await the arrival of our new middle school friends! Promotion Sunday is August 9th, and it will be the first time some of our incoming 6thgraders will join us in the big room. Here are 3 tips to help make it a success:1. Lead them. The adults on stage aren’t the only leaders in the room. Research from Fuller Seminary shows that parents are the #1 influence in a child’s life. You now have the opportunity to model extravagant worship for your student. Allowing them to see and worship along side you will influence their own faith immensely. You have the opportunity to teach them about stewardship and giving. Use the offering time to give together as a family on the app. Does your child receive an allowance? It’s a great time to talk through the heart of giving with them. Students need to see parents practice their faith first hand.
2. Intentionally create conversation starters- Middle schoolers are at an age where they can begin to think and talk about faith on a deeper level. They are open to talking with their parents about these things, but research from Fuller Youth Institute shows that only 12% of students are having regular faith dialogue with their mom and only 5% with their dad. Just because the service has ended, doesn’t mean discussion has to. Sunday mornings help foster faith conversations for your family. Make it a Sunday tradition to ask a question about the sermon at lunch, and see where the conversation leads. The conversations parents have with their students trumps everything. The team huddle is a great tool that not only fosters conversation for your student during their small group throughout the week but also creates opportunities to continue conversation as a family at home. It is updated on the One Life App every Sunday and can be found under resources.
3. Inspire Creativity. Creativity will lead to connectedness. Don’t freak out if you notice your middle schooler isn’t engaged the entire service. Reality is, if we are honest, we (adullts) aren’t always engaged the entire service. Thirty minutes can be a lot to ask of our ADD sometimes, right? So, look for ways to allow them to be creative with the message because one thing that we know is this generation is full of creativity. Encourage them to capture a post for their Instagram, or add a story on Snapchat. Grab a fun notebook for them, and let them doodle around the main point of the message. These are great ways to continue conversations at home as well.
Our student leaders are so excited to welcome you onto our team! It is our desire to walk alongside you as a family over the next 7 years because we know that what you do as parents matters most, and empowering the family with committed Christ-centered adult relationships is how we can best develop a sticky faith for the next generation. You will find student leaders in blue shirts at each of our campuses in the Lobby on August 9th. They can’t wait to meet you, your student, and answer any questions you may have.Click here for other resources on transitioning your middle school student into the big room.
Mark your CalendarsSunday August 16thStudent Strategy Day for Parents of 6th-12th gradersOne Life West3:00-5:00 P.M.
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