This is the final episode! Instead of 4, 5, or 6 minutes, this grand finale a little longer! We are slowing down with this one and taking time to close out this entire podcast! Imagine gathering around the campfire with Sean, Dayna, Makenna, Chris, Jaime, and Patrick as they look back over their many years of doing preteen ministry together and recording episodes of this podcast. Closure is so important with preteens, and today, we're going to have some of our closure as we put a big ol' bow on the great ideas podcast.

We're almost to the end of this podcast. From the beginning, the goal was 456 episodes. 9.5 years later, we've made it! Just like anything we do in ministry, it's might be easy to just hit publish on the last episode and simply move on to the next task. BUT TODAY, Sean encourages us to pause for a moment at the end of anything we accomplish for God's Kingdom. And in the pause, take time to reflect and rejoice BEFORE rushing on to the next thing. God is good. Let's pause to celebrate what he's doing in our lives and ministries each time we finish a small or big project.

Explore the power of plodding—taking small, consistent steps to achieve large, daunting goals. In today's episode, Sean highlights the importance of steady effort in ministry.

Today on the podcast, Sean dives into the crucial topic of staying off the pedestal in ministry. Reflecting on the dangers and temptations of being placed on a pedestal, Sean shares personal experiences and valuable insights from scripture, including Matthew 23:8-12 and 1 Timothy 1:15. He discusses how unrealistic expectations can harm both leaders and their congregations, particularly impressionable preteens. Sean offers practical advice on how to stay grounded, remain relatable, and lead with humility, emphasizing the importance of servanthood in effective ministry. Join us for this heartfelt and honest conversation on "Great Ideas for Preteen Ministry."

On today's episode, Hunter Bennett of 3Circle Church in Fairhope, Alabama shares a concept his team is working on which helps them to understand the preteens at his church, specifically the behaviors exhibited at the end of midweek services: mental coins.

Today, Sean talks with Yancy about the importance of being CURIOUS. Ministry leaders who aren't seeking answers to questions they don't know the answers to aren't prepared only to repeat what they've done yesterday.

Today, Sean shares one of his favorite ways of warming up a preteen group - FOOD. But not just any food - food that inspires conversation, creativity, and community! Hear three examples of this concept, and start dreaming of more...

Sean talks once again with Michael Pritchard, creator of ChickenAndWafflesPodcast.com. Michael talks about a free tool that you can use to equip parents to help THEM engage preteens in Bible reading!

Imagine a year-long program for your oldest preteens, full of special events, discipleship discussions, and serving opportunity! On today's episode, Dan Huffman discusses his amazing year-long 5th grade discipleship program on today's episode!

Check out the program right here: NPV 5th Grade Discipleship | The Compass Church

Sean talks with Michael Pritchard about his podcast FOR PRETEENS called "Chicken and Waffles." Michael has a passion for preteens to read the Bible for themselves and ask two questions: a "chicken" question and a "waffle" question.

On today's episode, Sean discusses the importance of leaders communicating expectations to preteens. Preteens ARE listening for what is expected from them, since they have limited life experience and don't know what they should expect from themselves.