
Preteens today are inquisitive, always questioning, and looking for their OWN answers. They are on a QUEST for truth. Here, at First Presbyerian Church, we recognize that today's preteens (4th and 5th graders) are not little kids anymore. They are ready for, and hungry for, much more!
Although many preteens have never cracked open a Bible and some are even jaded about the Bible due to the negative influences in our culture, they all have some things in common: an inquisitive mind and a need for Christ and His Word.
In Quest, we try to capitalize on the nature of preteens by facing the tough question head on. "Why are there so many different Christian religions?" "Why do I have to obey my parents, even when I know they are sometimes wrong?" "Would God really let someone go to Hell?" "Why can't I see a rated R movie?...I've heard all those words before." In Quest, we tackle these questions and more by diving into God's word and getting deeper in our discussions and relationships than these kids have ever gotten. They EAT IT UP and often aren't ready to leave the conversation when their parents pick them up!
Another way we treat our preteens special is by giving them their own space, away from the little kids, that recognizes their need to be acknowledged as real, thinking, almost teenagers. This Winter, we will move into our brand new, totally preteen room, including sofas, snack bars, and their own mini-fridge for cool drinks. Your kids won't want to miss Sunday School, ever.
Finally, today's tech-savvy kids are totally wired for socializing. We celebrate this with our completely closed and safe QUEST website where your preteen can send messages to their teachers and "chat" with friends about a multitude of subjects. They also receive assignments during the week that will help them win the coveted "Quest Prize" each Sunday. This site is completely secure
and ONLY the children's staff, Quest teachers, and students whose parents have signed a permission form can get onto the site. It is monitored regularly for abuse or inappropriate behaviors. This is also another way for our Quest leaders to pour love and wisdom into your children in their world.
Speaking of leaders, we know that your kids need to hear other trusted adults echoing what their parents say, (Isn't it odd that they can hear exactly what you've been saying for years for the first time from someone else?!) Our leaders love kids unconditionally with a love only God can give. They are ready to accept preteens where they are and help them take their faith to the next level. These kids are growing and maturing rapidly in every area of life. These leaders want to make sure they grow and mature even more spiritually.
Quest is currently meeting at 10:30 every Sunday morning in EB201. If you'd like to know more about our program or join us, contact Cheryl at chery@fpcbr.org.
