Most youth pastors don’t think much about fifth graders. After all, they’re still in kids’ ministry, right? But what if the best time to connect with future youth group members isn’t when they walk through your doors as nervous middle schoolers—but months before they ever get there? Fifth grade is a pivotal year, the last stop before the big leap into youth group. It’s filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and if we wait until students are “officially” in youth group to start engaging them, we’re already behind.

They’re Already Forming Opinions About Youth Group

Even if they’ve never set foot in your ministry, fifth graders have thoughts about what it’s like. Maybe they’ve heard stories from older siblings or watched the “big kids” from a distance. Some are excited, others are intimidated, and a few have already decided it’s not for them. When we intentionally connect with them before they move up, we help shape those perceptions into something positive.

Relationships Start Before the Transition

The first night in youth group can be overwhelming. New faces, a different environment, and the pressure of being the youngest in the room can be a lot. But when a student walks in already knowing you, recognizing some leaders, and feeling a sense of belonging, that transition becomes much smoother. If they don’t feel connected early on, there’s a greater chance they’ll check out before they ever truly settle in.

Kids’ Pastors Need a Bridge, Not a Wall

Your kids’ ministry team has been investing in these students for years. They know their stories, struggles, and strengths better than you do. Instead of treating youth group as an entirely separate world, we should work with kids’ pastors to create a seamless transition. When we listen, collaborate, and build a bridge between ministries, students benefit the most.

How to Connect With Fifth Graders Now

One of the easiest ways to start is by showing up in their world. Visit their events, help at VBS, or even teach a lesson in kids’ church. The more they see you before they officially join youth group, the more comfortable they’ll be when they get there. Another great idea is hosting a “Sneak Peek” night, where fifth graders get to experience youth group in a low-pressure way. Let them meet older students, play games, and realize that youth group isn’t as intimidating as they might have thought.

Speaking of older students, use them as a bridge. Fifth graders look up to middle schoolers, so bringing student leaders into the kids’ ministry space to interact and invite them personally can be huge. A simple, “You’re going to love youth group next year!” from a sixth or seventh grader is way more impactful than hearing it from an adult. Finally, make personal connections through handwritten notes, welcome videos, or even just a casual conversation after church. When students feel seen before they arrive, they’re far more likely to stick around.

The Bottom Line

Fifth graders matter—not just when they become sixth graders, but right now. If we wait to connect with them until they “belong,” we’re missing a huge opportunity. But if we intentionally engage them before they arrive, we set them up for a smoother transition and a greater chance of long-term connection. They’re watching, wondering, and waiting—let’s show them now that they have a place in our ministry.