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Taking Your Ministry Beyond Duct Tape, Dodge Ball and double Dog Dares

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By Kurt Johnston
2/27/2008

The book that Scott Rubin and I co-authored has just been released and its sub-title reminds me of a few important junior high ministry principles. The book is Kurt and Scott’s Junior High Adventure….taking your ministry beyond duct tape, dodge ball and double dog dares.

You may be thinking, ‘Wow, if there are lessons to be learned in the sub-title alone, the actual book must be amazing.’ Okay, you probably aren’t thinking that but you should be; and you would be correct.

Lesson #1: Don’t Overuse Something, Even If Your Students Love It.
There are few things our junior high guys would rather do as a group than play dodge ball. They absolutely love it and our twice-annual dodge ball tournament attracts a ton of kids

The book that Scott Rubin and I co-authored has just been released and its sub-title reminds me of a few important junior high ministry principles.

It is so tempting to play it once a month or even weekly, but we avoid that temptation because something that is loved can quickly become tired, boring and old if it’s over used. The ‘shelf life’ of games, events, songs etc. can really be lengthened if you avoid the temptation to overuse it.

Lesson #2: Don’t Do Anything You Wouldn’t Do If Parents Were Watching.
I absolutely love duct tape! Because I’m not very handy, I will use duct tape as a fix-all solution. Busted pipe? Duct tape. Broken handle? Duct tape. Talkative 7th grader? Duct tape. But here’s the catch: Although it sounds fun to duct tape a kid to the flag pole or wrap his head in the stuff parents often take issue with those sorts of activities. What sounds fun and innocent to a 24-year-old youth worker can easily be viewed differently by a 42-year-old mom. My suggestion is to run your games, events, etc. through the filter of “Would I feel comfortable doing this if this child’s mom or dad were watching?”

Lesson #3: Double Dog Dares Are Dumb.
Think about it, by the time you allow a challenge or dare to get to this point it’s obviously something that shouldn’t be happening at youth group. “I double dog dare you to run onto the high way and try to jump onto the hood of a moving car” isn’t a challenge you want one of your junior highers rising to! Now, I supposed “I double dog dare you to memorize the apostle’s creed” is okay, but somehow I don’t think that’s the dare your kids are coming up with. Again, if it’s not something you would feel comfortable happening with a parent watching, I’d suggest double dog daring something a little less problematic.

Junior high ministry often has a reputation of being concerned with nothing more than dodge ball, duct tape and double dog dares. Let’s be leaders who help break that perception.

Checkout the book: Kurt and Scott’s Junior High Adventure….taking your ministry beyond duct tape, dodge ball and double dog dares.

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Good blog and great tips. Every one should adapt them. This is right don't overuse of something. Do different things. OUr professionals are offering rcdd certification, mcts certification and mcse certification. Try to do them, It will be useful for you.

mina68 2:07:33am on 7/25/2009

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At the church where my husband and I are youth pastors we have one sunday evening/afternoon where we just get together for fellowship. That time may be used playing sand volleyball at one of the local parks, going out to a restaurant for dessert, or even just getting together at someone's house to play board games. I don't think that everytime you meet as a group it needs to be strictly focused. Sometimes you just need some good old fellowship to grow your relationships with the kids. The more your relationship grows with the youth, the better and easier it is to be able to get through and relate to them when you are teaching them about Jesus. We feel that being a christian needs to be a very fun filled experience to help grow your relationship with Christ, that way you are more motivated and willing to get further into the Word and alone time with Him. And it also attracts new youth to come and check out what the fuss is all about.

Sherri 11:11:11pm on 11/22/2008

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Wow! I am a middle guys school youth worker, and we have several boys with A.D.D and ADHD they can dissrupt the whole group of boys from diving into the word. any ideas of how to get them all to focus so that the ones who want to learn can. Thanks

Seth Dickson 4:11:35pm on 11/04/2008

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We connect as people when we have shared experiences. Games can be "one good way" of of doing that. I agree that games with a focus are great - use them a lot. As well though students (people in general) need to learn to have safe and wholesome fun. Not making fun and taking shots at people. If that is a point we can make by modeling it through games I believe we have taught a very important aspect of the Kingdom - we are the ones who serve the God that created all aspects of who we are. We should be leading that charge of showing the world that Disciples of Christ learn that God is not a kill joy but a joy giver... even in the midst of tough times. *** We have a once a month Game night - if you had fun without others being thee end of the joke then you got the point. It has made our focus the rest of the weeks on discussion, service and bible study more valuable because our kids know what to expect.

Chuz 11:10:49am on 10/01/2008

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I disagree, we start our nights with games in our gym while kids are coming in. We play dodgeball, basketball, volleyball and other games. We have small groups after that and then we teach them about Jesus in a large group setting and then we follow that up with team games (they play in a team with their small groups). I have not had any problems with students losing focus because of playing games. The students love the games and the competition and it drives them to bring their friends. The message of Jesus is still the main focus of the night, but the games are a way for the students to get their un-churched friends into a church setting.

josh watts 9:03:53am on 3/26/2008

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sounds good

jessica 10:03:44pm on 3/12/2008

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Entertainment/games without focus is time wasted I find. It's often trying to bring a 10 ton truck to a grinding halt on an interstate, when you then try to get serious after such games. The kids find it hard to focus and who could blame them. Nights focused on games fail tend to take the focus off Jesus, community and discipleship - all 3 are far more transforming than a dumb game of dodge ball. Kids don't need more entertainment - they are desperately in need of Jesus!! Games with focus however that work together with a teaching point are potentially powerful tools. So happy gaming but with focus!

Simon 6:03:33pm on 3/12/2008

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