Rowdy, restless, silly, out of control, moody, vulgar, disrespectful, unpredictable — this may be the junior high stereotype, writes youth ministry expert Wayne Rice. But early adolescents' enthusiasm, loyalty, energy, candidness, and willingness to learn — these more than compensate for the well-publicized hazards of working with middle schoolers. In this edition of Junior High Ministry — updated and expanded to reflect the realities of middle school ministry at the turn of the century — the cofounder of Youth Specialties takes a comprehensive look at the early adolescent experience: – A case for junior high ministry — and what it takes to work effectively with junior highers. – New material of turn-of-the-century trends in the youth culture — and on programming for kids living in this culture. – A chapter each on the five pivotal areas of development — physical, social, intellectual, psycho-emotional, and faith — among junior highers. – Altogether new chapters on parental involvement and mentoring in the context of junior high ministry . . . all topped off with 50 creative and practical ideas — fun and games, Bible study openers, mixers, entire events — that are tailored for junior highers in Sunday school, the youth room, or your living room. Whether you're training for youth work or a trainer of youth workers, Junior High Ministry will keep finding its dog-eared way to the top of your most used resources.
