Nikomas.com

Within a few short months I have experienced a complete change in my perception of Jr. High Ministry. I've gone from prefering a specialization in High School ministry to never wanting to leave Jr. High ministry.

Before August 2007, I was like most youth ministers. I wanted to specialize in high school ministry. In all the ministries that I've led, I was in charge of both high school and junior high. I had always dreamed about someday hiring someone to do junior high ministry, allowing me to focus my attention on high schoolers alone.

Then God introduced me to Jr. High ministry. Half way reluctant I accepted this specialization. Now, seven months later, I can't see myself doing anything else. It is an amazing group to work with.

When I tell people I work with Jr. Highers, I often hear, "That's brave!" Most people see Jr High students as rambunxious, Ritalin eating, raunchy rug rats. I've come to learn that they are the exact opposite!

Over the past seven months I have learned the A to E's of what I've found to be true of most Jr Higher students:

1. Active not Apathetic
Jr. High students are willing to do anything! They are highly active in what is happening around them. Very seldom will you see a student completely apathetic to the environment. They want to be involved. They want to participate, so they make it happen.

2. Believers not Agreers
Anyone can hear a sermon and agree to what is being said. Jr. High students don't just agree, they believe! Therefore they put it into practice. If you tell them God wants you to talk to your friend about Jesus they do it!

3. Caring not Cruel
This is one of the most caring age groups I have ever seen! Instead of back stabbing their friends, they pray for them. Instead of leaving outsiders on the outside, they pull them in. They genuinley care for others.

4. Daring not Dull
One of my favorite things about them is that they are willing to do anything...even if they know they can't do it! You really have to work hard at having a dull and boring Jr. High ministry. They will make it fun with or without your help!

5. rEspectful not rEbellious (this is as close to "e" as I could get!)
A lot of people look at Jr. High students and just see their energy. But what they don't see is their respect. Sometimes their energy does get out of control, but when you ask them to reign it in, they do it! They actually listen and obey adults when asked to do something. Even though they may not agree, they are typically respectful about it.