In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Michael, who is rethinking how to engage a combined middle and high school environment.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Focus on High Schoolers: When leading a combined youth group, it's often more effective to tailor messages and examples towards high school students, as middle schoolers tend to rise to the challenge, while high schoolers may disengage if content feels too young.
2️⃣ Offer Age-Specific Spaces: While large group activities can be combined, providing phase-specific small groups or hangout times ensures that both middle and high schoolers get the focused attention they need.
3️⃣ Creative Mentorship Opportunities: Consider special events, like a seniors-and-seventh-graders dinner, where high schoolers can mentor middle schoolers without the pressure of doing so every week, allowing both age groups to benefit from the ministry.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Michael, who is rethinking how to engage a combined middle and high school environment.
3 takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ Focus on High Schoolers: When leading a combined youth group, it's often more effective to tailor messages and examples towards high school students, as middle schoolers tend to rise to the challenge, while high schoolers may disengage if content feels too young. 2️⃣ Offer Age-Specific Spaces: While large group activities can be combined, providing phase-specific small groups or hangout times ensures that both middle and high schoolers get the focused attention they need. 3️⃣ Creative Mentorship Opportunities: Consider special events, like a seniors-and-seventh-graders dinner, where high schoolers can mentor middle schoolers without the pressure of doing so every week, allowing both age groups to benefit from the ministry.
Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316
Like, comment &amp; subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

The Rethinking Youth Ministry Podcast is for youth ministry leaders, pastors, volunteers, workers, and anyone who cares about middle school and high school students. Each episode, we hope to raise the bar for youth ministry by asking questions, interviewing thinkers, and having real, honest conversations about what it looks like to lead the next generation. Rethinking Youth Ministry is a podcast from the Orange Students team. Our mission is to help you, the youth leader, influence the next generation. We do that through this podcast, other resources, and our weekly curriculum, XP3. If you'd like to learn more, check out OrangeStudents.com.

Rethinking Youth Ministry | A podcast for youth ministry leaders, pastors, volunteers, and anyone who cares about students

The Rethinking Youth Ministry Podcast is for youth ministry leaders, pastors, volunteers, workers, and anyone who cares about middle school and high school students. Each episode, we hope to raise the bar for youth ministry by asking questions, interviewing thinkers, and having real, honest conversations about what it looks like to lead the next generation. Rethinking Youth Ministry is a podcast from the Orange Students team. Our mission is to help you, the youth leader, influence the next generation. We do that through this podcast, other resources, and our weekly curriculum, XP3. If you'd like to learn more, check out OrangeStudents.com.

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