The better question is probably whyshouldntyou start a fifth- and sixth-grade ministry? There are really a few reasons for this change. Here are some of the reasons that we did it.

1. Tough transition to middle schoolBesides emotions and hormones, our junior high students are in a totally separate building from our main campus, and that causes an incredibly crazy transition for parents.
2. Fading in interest in kidminWe run an awesome Childrens Ministry atBrookwood Church. But its that time for every kid. They are ready to get out and move on in life. It happens in eighth-grade and twelfth-grade, too. Kids are just ready to move up.
3. They really arent ready for 8th gradersThis part is one that parentsunderestimate. Eighth-grade kids are so much different than sixth graders, its really nuts. There are topics that older kids need to have addressed, and the same goes for the younger kids.
4. HormonesNeed I say anything here?
5. Fight for their heartone of theOrange principles. By focusing on this two-year group, we can really focus our efforts on reaching these kids where they are.
6. Widen the circleanotherOrange principle. Putting more adults with know-how in front of parents is always a positive.

So why did you start a pre-teen Ministry? Give a yea or nay as to why people should consider this incredible opportunity!