Preteens
If God planned for us is to sit around and do nothing, LifePoint’s preteen ministry would be called “Stagnate,” or “Vegetate,” or maybe “Putrefy.” Instead, the name “Impel” describes the push of God. The apostle Paul wrote it this way: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Phil. 2.12b-13) In other words, God impels us to do great things in his name.
God’s urging is particularly apparent between the ages of 10 and 12. Impel exists to meet the unique needs of preteens in that “in-between” stage of life. If you are in the 5th or 6th grade (or maybe you can still remember it), you know that preteens face a special set of challenges. It’s all about change: changes within the family, changes with friends, even changes in faith. It’s easy to feel confused by these changes or just lost in the shuffle. God’s plan is for preteens to grow closer to him through those changes.
The adult leaders in Impel have their own challenges. It’s all about support: feeding spiritual hunger, strengthening family bonds, and building personal trust. God’s plan is for the leaders of Impel to edify the faith of preteens.
In Impel, preteens are in action. This means learning about God from the Bible and asking questions to find answers. Impel hosts parties, retreats, and special events to build community. Impel’s leaders provide guidance and encouragement to preteens learning to read the Bible and pray regularly at home. Preteens in Impel experience opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and grace through service and mission projects. If you feel God pushing you and you want to respond, Impel exists to encourage you.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” —Eph. 1.17.