Pete here!
As we are starting to build a preteen ministry here at The Zone, I wanted to address some of the frequently asked question about some of the changes.
Why are we changing things in Ignite?
The new focus on Preteen is coming out of a realization that we are not effectively reaching our 4th and 5th graders. They are a particular people and have some stark differences from the others. As I’m sure you have noticed, they are too “old” for what we bring to our current Elementary program, yet they are not mature enough to handle a Junior High format. What is even more significant is the fact that they know they are different! That is why is it so important that we work hard to figure out who they are and meet them there.
Currently we use the KidMo Curriculum in both of our KidsChurch rooms (Wave and Ignite) and it is a great format, however, it dramatically caters to the younger age. They see that the people are going out of their way to get their attention. But they get that everyday on the TV! It’s not different! They are also coming to a point in their lives where they are starting to realize that adults are not exactly the superheroes they once that we were! They start to process the fact that adults make mistakes too. They start to see this as “more of the same” and they want something that is more real!
Why are we changing Curriculum?
That is the reason we went out in search of a different curriculum; a curriculum that would allow the kids to dig deeper into the real stuff. They want real answers to their real questions. They have a true desire to find the truth! They are realizing that not everything they are told in this world is true and they have to use discernment to figure out what is right and what is wrong!
That is when we found “Grapple”. It’s a preteen specific curriculum that was build to meet these very needs. It is relationship based, which means we will not just have an Emcee that is audibly teaching these kids the truth. It means that we will build an environment that the focus of the leaders is to build relationships. As, I was saying earlier, these kids are realizing that they can’t just take an adult at their word any more. They have to listen and then discern what is right! So, we need to earn the right to be heard with these kids! How do you do that! By being real and spend time with them. Play with them, work with them, talk to them. They need to get to know you before they will absorb what you have to say. We feel the new format will help with this.
The format also allows the kids to start to use a bible practically! They will be digging in the bible to find truths and will be writing their answers down on their work pages. You will find that the kids will have trouble navigating the bible at this age, but that is the beauty of it! We are extending the time in small groups so you can help them and not have to worry about the clock!
What is the new online element of Ignite?
As we “grapple” how to reach this generation, we will discover that that technology is more apart of their lives they we know. There is a new online element to Grapple that we are looking to launch called myGrapple.com. It is a place where the kids can come together and vote on games, get resources from the lesson, and connect with each other. MyGrapple.com is a safe zone that has no outside links and is monitored. A student cannot enter the site without a registration from the parents and from The Zone. It is a secure site that will allow the students to connect with the lesson during the week! We truly believe it will be a tool to reach these kids on a deeper level.
Technology is a paramount in their lives and we cannot truly relate! You see, we are what I call “Technology Immigrants.” The technology of today so new that we are now trying to figure how to apply it all into our already established lives. But the generation of children that we are addressing here are what I call “Technology Natives!” They don’t have to apply it to their established lives because they are establishing it with the technology already in place! It’s a gigantic difference. However, there is a stewardship responsibility on our part that is just as gigantic. We have to learn how to be the adults and protect the kids from the negative aspects of technology while helping them flourish in the positive aspects of technology. It is the balance to understand that Technology is a good thing yet being proactive to guide and protect kids in a safe manner.
Pete, Signing off...