I went to a middle school track meet yesterday. If you’ve ever seen such a thing, you’re probably already smiling a little. One of the cool things about middle school is that you can “try out” different sports, activities, interests…and see if you’re good at it. Let’s just say that there’s a chance that there might not have been any future track Olympians at the meet I went to yesterday! But if you’ve ever been to a junior high “event” (whether it was a musical or basketball game or volleyball match or musical basketball game), you know that you don’t show up primarily to be wowed by the skills of the students. Still, there are some great reasons to carve time to show up and see a kid in activities like these.
1- You’re reminding them that they really do matter! Glance around the bleachers at events like these. Who shows up? A few friends, a few parents…that’s pretty much all. But the people who show up to see a middle school athlete or performer are primarily there to send the message that they really care about the person they came to watch.
2- You get to see more of a junior high schooler’s “natural habitiat.” The atmosphere of your church is probably far different from the atmosphere of the local middle school. Take a look around and notice all the dynamics going on. While you’re watching a student at their game or performance, you also get to make some observations about the social dynamics that they face on a regular basis.
3- If their parent sees you there, that scores points. Students will sometimes casually say, “Thanks for coming.” But over the years, I’ve had parents express great gratitude for investing my time supporting their kid. I think most parents know that you’re not showing up just for the sheer entertainment value!
4- It’s a great place to see kids who would never (or seldom) come to your church. At the track meet I was at, I saw a couple of kids who had come to one of our outreach events. I was a little surprised when they enthusiastically waved and ran over to say hi. It’s also fun when a junior high schooler from your church tries to explain to their friend how they know you. “Um…this is Scott…he’s…um…from my church.” Or other kids who will say, “This is Scott. He’s my priest!”
5- It’s one more reminder that junior high school is one of the most awkward places on the planet…and that these students need someone willing to lean into it and point them towards Jesus! Almost every time I walk into a middle school, I think of my own junior high days. What a benefit it would’ve been to have had a Christian adult praying for me, caring about me…and cheering for me as I clumsily tried to run the hurdles!
