If you’ve been in kids’ ministry for any length of time, you know the struggle: one minute, your 5th or 6th graders are fully engaged, leading worship motions, answering questions, and maybe even helping with the little ones. Then—BOOM!—they graduate to youth group, and suddenly, they vanish into thin air.

The transition from kids’ ministry to youth group is a critical moment. Get it right, and they’ll continue growing in their faith. Get it wrong, and they might disengage completely. So how do we help our preteens move up without losing them in the process? Here are a few simple but intentional ways to make sure this transition is smooth, exciting, and meaningful.

1. Start the Conversation Early

Don’t wait until the last Sunday before promotion to bring up the transition. Months in advance, start talking about what’s next. Give them space to ask questions like:

• Will I still know people?
• Are the games as fun as here?
• Do they still have snacks? (Very important.)

The unknown can be intimidating, but the more familiar it becomes, the more comfortable they’ll feel.

2. Introduce Youth Leaders Ahead of Time
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A new environment can feel overwhelming, but it’s a lot less intimidating when you already know someone there. To help ease the transition, arrange for youth leaders to visit your preteen group regularly. They can hang out, lead a game, share a short devotional, or even co-teach a lesson. Consider setting up fun meet-and-greet moments or partnering them with small group leaders to build natural connections. When preteens develop relationships with youth leaders before they officially move up, they’ll feel more comfortable and confident, making them far more likely to engage and thrive in their new setting.

3. Create a “Welcome Squad”
Instead of just sending preteens into youth group and hoping they adjust, establish a team of welcoming students who can intentionally connect with them. These students can greet them on their first night, introduce them to others, and help them navigate the new environment. A friendly face and a sense of belonging can make all the difference in ensuring they don’t feel lost in the shuffle.

4. Keep Their Favorite Parts of Kids Ministry Alive
Some preteens struggle with the transition because they think they’re leaving behind the fun, the energy, or the relationships they loved in kids’ ministry. Find ways to bridge the gap by bringing elements of kids’ ministry into their youth experience.

• Encourage youth leaders to include high-energy games and interactive teaching.
• Give preteens a space to serve in youth ministry so they still feel like leaders.
• Keep a sense of community strong—small groups are key!

5. Celebrate the Transition
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Make “moving up” a big deal! Host a special event—maybe a fun night with both kids and youth leaders, a commissioning service, or even a personal gift like a youth group T-shirt or devotional book. Celebrate this milestone in a way that makes them feel seen and valued.

6. Encourage Ongoing Connections
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Just because they move up doesn’t mean your relationship with them has to end. Check in with them occasionally. Let them know you’re cheering them on. If they see familiar faces supporting them, they’ll be more confident in their new space.

7. Partner with Parents
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Parents are often just as nervous as their kids about this transition. Keep them in the loop. Give them a heads-up about key youth events. If their child struggles with change, help them prepare for what’s coming. Parents will appreciate knowing their child isn’t just moving up but being intentionally welcomed into the next stage of their spiritual journey.

Your Role? Be Their Guide, Not Just Their Goodbye.
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Preteens don’t just need a push out of kids’ ministry; they need a bridge into youth ministry. This isn’t just about saying, “See ya later!”—it’s about helping them step into something new with confidence and excitement. With a little planning and a lot of heart, we can make sure they don’t just leave kids’ church but actually feel ready for what’s next.

Your role isn’t just to send them off—it’s to walk with them, cheer them on, and help them see that this next step is something to look forward to. They need someone to remind them they belong, that they’re ready, and that they’re not alone in this transition.

And who knows? A few years from now, those same kids might be the ones coming back to serve in your ministry, pouring into the next group of preteens—because of the way you invested in them now!

Sarah Petrokovich is the Children's Ministry Director at River Church in Alton, IL. Married to an amazing man, Joe, they are the proud parents to two wonderful adult children, Halee and Daniel. Sarah has been dedicated to serving in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. Her passion for nurturing children's spiritual growth and creating engaging, faith-filled experiences has been a cornerstone of her ministry work. She also invests in developing other kids' ministry leaders, pouring into them with guidance and support to strengthen their ability to positively impact young lives.