3 Children’s Ministry Activities Perfect for Preteens
Use these three children’s ministry activities designed specifically for preteens to help teach about the impact Jesus has on our lives.
3 Children’s Ministry Activities Perfect for Preteens
1. No More Hiding
Use this activity to show that because of Jesus, we can be in God’s presence.
You’ll need:
Darken the room.
Read aloud Mark 9:2-3. Then shine the light on everyone (avoiding kids’ eyes) as you read aloud Mark 9:4-6.
Ask:
- What might be terrifying about these events?
Say: Before Jesus’ time, people couldn’t be in God’s glorious presence because of sin. That’s why Peter wanted to build a tent and hide. Have small groups sit under blankets while you read aloud Mark 9:7-10. Continue shining the light.
Say: Tell about a time you wanted to hide or cover up something.
Because of Jesus, Peter didn’t need to hide from God’s presence. Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us of our sins. Have kids uncover themselves while you continue shining the light.
Ask:
- How does knowing Jesus give you the courage to stand in God’s presence without feeling ashamed of your sins?
Shawn Vander Lugt
2. Unsinkable Faith
Use this devotion to remind kids to have faith in Jesus.
You’ll need:
- Bible
- several 10-foot lengths of blue crepe-paper streamers
Place the crepe paper on the floor in parallel lines far enough apart that it will be challenging for preteens to cross from one to another.
Say: Take turns creatively crossing these streamer streams. Walk backward, close your eyes, hop on one foot, walk on your hands, do cartwheels—go!
For a few minutes, offer encouragement, such as “You’re doing great!” and “I have faith in you!” After that, express caution and doubt, saying things like “That looks tricky!” or “I’m not sure you’ll make it.”
Ask:
- How did the encouragement affect you?
- How did the discouragement affect you?
Read aloud Matthew 14:28-31.
Say: After Jesus miraculously walked on water, Peter tried—with mixed results.
Ask:
- When does your faith feel the strongest?
- When does your belief in Jesus seem to “sink”?
- What could help you have faith in Jesus, who always reaches out to you?
Stephanie Martin
3. Praise Puzzles
Use this game to discuss praising Jesus.
You’ll need:
Write the letters from several different words of praise, such as “hosanna,” on individual sheets of paper. Make several sets.
Form teams of four, and give each team an identical set of mixed-up letters from all the words.
Read aloud Mark 11:7-10.
Say: Let’s play a game! When I say a praise word, find the letters to spell the word. As soon as they’re in order, shout the word and hold the letters above your heads. Try to be the first team to finish.
Kids can hold several letters at once, if necessary. Encourage teams to finish, even when they’re not first.
Call out the praise words one at a time. Congratulate the winners.
Ask:
- What was this challenge like for you?
- Explain whether praising Jesus comes naturally for you. What might help you give Jesus the praise he deserves?
Michael Capps
Need more activities for your preteens? GroupBuilder Games and Activities for Youth Ministry has loads of ideas. Looking for more preteen ideas? Check out these posts!
