Have you ever started a book and loved it so much you bought it for all your friends before you even finished it? Well, if you work with preteens you need to check out the new book, “Let Go and Run Beside” by Sean Sweet!

In this book, Sean will give you the ten essentials of Intentional Preteen Ministry. 
1. Let Go
2. Run Beside
3. Invite Preteens to Take Risks in a Safe Environment
4. Give Choices and Share Power
5. Implement Active Learning Strategies
6. Facilitate Reflection and Response
7. Disciple Through Questions
8. Build a Foundation for Identity Formation
9. Persevere and Overcome Obstacles
10. Take Your Next Step

Some of my favorite quotes so far:

“As difficult as you may find it to be around preteens, it’s often more difficult to be a preteen.” 

Here’s an equation that I found useful when observing preteen behavior:
LACK OF EXPERIENCE
+ DESIRE TO TRY NEW ABILITIES
+ DISCONCERTING FEELINGS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGE
+ THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER OF HORMONES
= Preteen Behavior

“Likewise, preteens are ready for us to ‘let go of the bike.’ They have new mental abilities that they’ve never had before, abilities which will allow them to connect with Jesus in new and meaningful ways, but we must make room for them to do this.”

“He’s ready developmentally, but not experientially.”

“They have a new desire for independence and autonomy. Are we going to stifle that or make room for it?”

If you are looking for ways to encourage, pastor, and love preteens during this critical phase of their life, go pick up the book for you and a couple of your preteen leaders. All the information can be found at: https://fourfivesix.lpages.co/let-go-book/