After more than 25 years of youth ministry, God opened a new door for me! And, let me tell you, you need to come through the door with me, friends.

Coming In Through The Backdoor

When I first started full-time vocational youth ministry, I volunteered in my students’ schools when and where I could, trying to get in through backdoors just to be there.

In different schools, I volunteered to chaperone dances, cover the counseling receptionist’s desk so the counseling staff could have monthly meetings, file documents and answer phones (pre-HIPPA), speak at Career Days, and sponsor a “First Priority” club. For a season, my network of youth pastors and I served free tacos monthly at an alternative school during lunch.

I would let my students know ahead of time to look for me at their school and many of them would drop in to say “hi” and leave encouraged and hugged! They knew I didn’t have to be there, but I chose to be there to support them in their ministries at their school mission fields.

The Outsider

It was a cool connection time with my students, but the teachers and staff treated me as an outsider. Because I was. The staff and teachers without a believing background didn’t understand why I was there. I think they were concerned that I had a nefarious agenda and kept waiting for me to let them down. Though I had some cool conversations with staff, it wasn’t quite the right fit.

When I had my own children, my volunteering slowed because I realized I needed to spend my time in other ways to be effective at both parenting and youth ministry. I kept feeling like there must be another way to minister at the school as an insider and keep my family #1.

Coming in Through the Front Door

This year I finally found the way in, right through the front door. This way into the schools not only meets my students’ needs for support, but it meets a need that schools all over the country are desperate to have met right now.

I am a substitute teacher.

I’m still a youth pastor and the staff REALLY want me in their school to help them. I went through all the proper channels to serve within the school system and they know who I am and what I do.

Substituting might be the key to getting you in the door to closer and even more effective ministry to your students, to lost students who won’t step in the door of your church without knowing you first, to other believing teachers, and to lost teachers and staff.

This Side Hustle is POWERFUL Ministry

There are a zillion reasons this side hustle is powerful ministry. Let me list a few of those reasons.

1.     There is a desperate need for care and supervision in our schools and you can meet that need in Jesus’ Name. The school sees the need for trusted adults to pour into their students. There are specific roles to be filled for the administration to actually keep the school running each day. We can help them make that happen while being Jesus to them and the students.
2.     You have the skill set that is needed to shepherd a class of students while their “shepherds” are away.
3.     You know classroom management.
4.     You are a walking game book.
5.     You know how to relate to teenagers and not be thrown off by or personally insulted by their antics.
6.     Most things no longer surprise you.
7.     You are flexible and regularly problem-solve and change plans on the fly.
8.     You can step in last minute and save the day for someone really in need just by showing up and you can keep doing your other job and be there for your family without taking away massive time from either.
9.     You likely know and understand teen pop culture references and how to change the subject and redirect when necessary.
10.     When your students see you (even in passing), you remind them of Jesus. They already connect you with their own faith and when they see you at school, they’re reminded who they’re supposed to be in their mission field.
11.     You can be a lighthouse in schools without preaching a sermon. You can shine in other ways like:
12.     Wearing faith-focused schwag (bracelets, earrings, backpacks, bags) along with the appropriate dress code. My daughter gave me a “Treat people like Jesus died for them” tote that I use as my sub bag. A teacher walked next to me in the hall this morning and said with a sparkle in her eye, “I like your bag, sister.” Now she knows she’s not alone in her mission field and I know who to go to when I have a prayer request or specific need!
13.     Having faith-focused stickers on your water bottle and computer. I’ve had my water bottle for a couple years and it’s got so many Jesus stickers on it because I love them and some of them are gifts from my students. It sits right on top of whatever desk I’m working at each time I sub. Students see me drinking from it and carrying it around. It preaches without me having to say a word.
14.     Showing up on time and being flexible. Though I’m new at this, the front desk ladies already love me because I show up ready to work wherever and whenever needed. I took a “second” sub job today during my “off periods” because they were short-handed and needed help. I am that hero.
15.     Directly serving the teacher. Take thorough notes for the teacher, follow their instructions, and clean up the room before you leave. Remember Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
16.     Encouraging the teachers and staff you get to work with. When I subbed the first time, God gave me the gift of getting to cover one of my son’s teacher’s classes for the day. I got to eat with his teachers and encourage them with things like, “You guys have a super hard job. I’m so grateful for you and the time you put in to teaching.” They loved the encouragement and felt empowered. Plus, I got 2 emails within the next week asking me to sub for them. When you know someone understands your job and the work you do, you want them to be the one to cover for you!
17.     Giving grace even when direction is needed. Subbing can be tiring. Students can be jerks (but we already knew that, because we’re all sinners). There are times when someone talks too much, disrespects you or other students, or gets out of hand. The coolest thing you’ll bring to the school with you is the Spirit of God and you can ask Him to bear His fruit whenever you need it. When things get frustrating, you can take a minute, pray, and respond in a way that represents Jesus even if you have to put the hammer down.
18.   Rooting for believing students not in your youth group. I got to sub for a handful of students wearing faith-focused clothing, bracelets, and having cool water bottle stickers. Whenever I see that, I tell them I really like their shirt/bracelet/whatever so they know I’m a believer, too. I’ve also pointed those students out to my students so they know other believers they can connect with at school!
19. Becoming someone students trust. The more time you spend in the school, remembering students’ names, serving and encouraging them, the more likely they’ll be to trust you. I helped one of my students start a Chess Club on campus and I volunteer every week. When my Chess Club students saw me in their classroom today, they lit up. “What are YOU doing here? This is great.” These students aren’t believers, yet, but I’m earning their trust by showing up when I can in their lives to open the door for meaningful conversations and invitations.
20.     You get to remind the enemy prayer didn’t ever leave the schools. I walk into the school praying and don’t stop until I’m back in my car. I pray for students as I pass them in the hall. I walk around the room of each class period (or read through the attendance list) praying for each student’s salvation and freedom. When someone starts acting up, I start praying for them. I pray for my students when I see them to shine Jesus’ light. I pray for God to open up conversations with the teachers and staff and God faithfully answers that prayer. I pray for the teacher I’m subbing for as I’m sitting in their seat. God never left the schools and you getting to be there is evidence that He’s still working and doing something new. You’re infiltrating the territory the enemy has tried to overtake and reminding him who it really belongs to.
21.     As you do your job well, you’ll be requested. As you get to know teachers, staff, administration, and the counselors, they’ll learn what your “other” job is. Guess who they’ll want to have around if anything hits the fan? You may be the first spiritual contact who’s called if there’s a shooting, a suicide, or a loss because they know you and you’re already part of their team and they won’t have to background check you to talk and work with students. They may even ask you to bring some backup to be there for students in need.
22.     This side hustle can help pay for the calling God’s already given you to minister to teens while you minister to teens. What?
23.     I vote for subbing as your #1 side hustle option, but I had a youth pastor friend who became a bus driver to spend more time with his students. Another youth pastor friend started a before-school Bible club and got a job as a football coach to connect with his students and their lost friends. There are many ways to join the school staff and make a difference. Again, I vote for substituting, but you do have great options.

Do The Work to be able to Expand Your Influence in Teens’ Lives

Different states and school districts have various policies on the hoops to jump through to get officially on campus as a substitute, but sometimes it’s just a degree in anything. Sometimes it’s a class you need to take. Of course, there’s a background check and references needed like any other job, but, friend, whatever is required in your school district, it’s worth it.

Do the work.

Get the badge then go walk through that front door with your armor on and go fight alongside your students in their mission field.

Guest post from Beth Meverden from @trainyourchild

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.

1) Don’t Try to Be One of Them

There’s a big difference between relating to middle schoolers and trying to be one of them. Deep down, they don’t want you to be their peer—they need a shepherd to guide them. Relating to them means understanding the season of life they’re in and compassionately pointing them to Jesus.

2) Don’t Expect Them to Be What They’re Not

Middle schoolers are still growing. Too often, I hear adults complain that they’re annoying or frustrating. Yes, we should hold them accountable if they’re acting like a 4th or 5th grader, but we can’t expect them to behave like high school juniors or seniors. That wouldn’t be fair. Set the bar appropriately high. When my son was five, I didn’t expect him to act like an eight-year-old, but I also didn’t let him act like a three-year-old.

3) Give Them Something to “Wear” at Home

Spiritual growth shouldn’t stop when they leave youth group. Their parents are the most significant influence in their lives. As youth leaders, our job is to partner with parents, equipping them to reinforce faith at home.

4) Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!

Don’t focus only on their shortcomings. If a student has five A’s and one C, celebrate the A’s instead of harping on the C. Encouragement builds confidence and helps students grow. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our words have the power of life and death—use them wisely.

5) Inside vs. Outside Ministry

If you truly want to reach a student’s heart, prioritize connections outside of youth group. The best way to influence a middle schooler is by letting them see your life as you follow Jesus. How do you treat your family? How do you handle everyday challenges? Discipleship is more caught than taught. I remember many things about my youth pastor, but what stood out the most was the way he treated our waitress.

6) Talk to Parents

This can feel intimidating, especially if you’re young, but it’s crucial. Tell parents how much you love their kids and that you’re praying for them. Parents appreciate resources—provide as many free ones as you can. Many parents want help but don’t know how to ask for it (or even realize they need it). If you plan a parent meeting, make sure you’re offering something they can’t get from an email—respect their time.

7) Give Middle Schoolers Responsibilities

They may surprise you—they actually want responsibility! Help them transition from being consumers to owners in the church. We are most like Jesus when we serve. When students get involved, they stop seeing church as something they attend and start seeing it as something they belong to.

8) Be Intentional About What You Teach

If you can clearly communicate with a middle schooler, you’re probably one of the best communicators in your church. But too many youth workers wing their messages instead of preparing them well. Write it out, practice it, and don’t just rely on charisma. If you wing it, you’re not preaching—you’re performing.

9) Think Long-Term

Your time with these students is temporary, but their faith journey continues beyond your program. You might not see the final product, but your faithfulness now matters. Plant seeds and trust God with the growth. Remind your leadership team of this often—they need to see the big picture, too.

10) Spend Time with the Father

If you’re not spending time with God, you’ll have nothing to give your students. The most important thing you can offer them is an authentic relationship with Jesus. When your own faith is strong, your middle school ministry will thrive.

*Guest Post by Tim Wadsworth

The first time a brand-new sixth grader walks into youth group, you can tell within seconds whether they feel ready or overwhelmed. Some walk in with confidence, already familiar with the rhythms of your ministry. Others look like they just wandered into a foreign country where they don’t speak the language. The difference? Preparation.

Too often, youth ministries wait until students have already moved up before trying to connect with them. But if you want your new sixth graders to feel like they belong, the best time to start helping them isn’t when they arrive—it’s while they’re still in fifth grade.

Build Bridges Before They Cross Them

Fifth graders aren’t just “future youth group kids.” They’re students who are already forming opinions about church, relationships, and faith. The more you invest in them now, the more likely they are to stay engaged when they move up. That investment starts with presence. Show up at kids ministry events, introduce yourself to students, and make sure they know your face before they ever step into youth group. A simple, “Hey, I’m your future youth pastor! Can’t wait for you to join us!” can go a long way.

Create a Familiar First Step

Moving up to youth group feels like a big leap, but you can make it feel like a natural next step. Consider hosting a special event just for fifth graders—a preview night where they experience youth group in a low-pressure environment. Let them meet some of your student leaders, play a few games, and hear from older students about what to expect. The goal isn’t to wow them with the biggest, craziest event ever. It’s to make youth group feel like a place where they already belong.

Get Their Parents on Board

Here’s a secret: most fifth graders aren’t making their own church schedule—their parents are. If parents are unsure about youth group, hesitant about the transition, or just don’t know what to expect, it’s going to be harder for their kids to engage. That’s why you need to win parents over before their students move up. Host a parent meeting, send out a welcome packet, or even just take time to introduce yourself. When parents feel comfortable, their kids will too.

Make Space for Their Questions

Fifth graders have a lot of questions about youth group, even if they don’t say them out loud. Will I know anyone? Is it scary? What if I don’t understand the lesson? Am I allowed to bring my stuffed animal? (Yes, that’s a real question a fifth grader once asked.) Instead of letting those questions create anxiety, give them space to ask. Whether it’s a Q&A session at a kids ministry event or a casual conversation after church, helping them process the transition will ease their nerves and help them feel more prepared.

Don’t Just Welcome Them—Pursue Them

When students officially move up, don’t assume they’ll immediately feel at home. Even with all the preparation in the world, some will still hesitate. That’s where intentional follow-up matters. A quick text, a handwritten card, or even a “Hey, I’m glad you’re here!” on their first night can make a world of difference. Let them know they’re not just part of youth group because they aged in—they’re part of youth group because they belong.

The transition to youth ministry isn’t just a moment; it’s a process. When you start investing in your future sixth graders while they’re still in fifth grade, you’re not just making youth group easier for them—you’re setting them up for long-term engagement in your ministry. And when that first youth group night finally comes, they won’t just be walking into a new space. They’ll be walking into a place that already feels like home.