"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
At Watts Chapel Baptist Church, we believe that the pre-teen years are a pivotal time in a child’s spiritual development. Our 412 Preteen class is designed to help children in 4th to 6th grade grow in their faith, learn to live out the example set by Christ, and embrace the calling to live as lights in the world. Based on 1 Timothy 4:12, we teach our pre-teens that they can be examples for others, no matter their age.
What is 412 Preteen?
412 Preteen is our ministry for kids in 4th through 6th grade. We chose the name 412 from 1 Timothy 4:12, which challenges preteens to be examples in their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our goal is to equip these young students to understand the deeper truths of Scripture, grow in their personal relationship with Jesus, and prepare them to be bold in their faith as they enter their teenage years.
Our class is designed to help them navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence in a safe, supportive, and spiritually rich environment. We want to help them understand that being a Christian is not just about what they believe but how they live out their faith every day.
What Does 412 Preteen Look Like?
Bible-Based Teaching and Discussions
We teach preteens the foundational truths of the Christian faith, including who God is, what Jesus did for them, and how to live a Christ-centered life. The Bible comes alive to them as they engage with stories, discussions, and applications of Scripture that are relevant to their lives.
Bible Studies: We study key Bible passages that address important themes, such as God’s love, salvation, forgiveness, and the call to live a holy life.
Interactive Lessons: Through group discussions, hands-on activities, and even videos, we make the Bible come alive in ways that are engaging and memorable.
Weekly Bible Challenges: Preteens are encouraged to memorize Scripture and take part in weekly Bible challenges that help them grow in their knowledge of God’s Word.
Character Development
As preteens face new challenges and begin to establish their identity, our goal is to help them develop Christ-like character. We emphasize the importance of integrity, kindness, humility, and respect, teaching them to live out their faith with purpose.
Building Character: We incorporate lessons on godly character traits such as love, faith, purity, and service.
Role Models: We highlight examples from the Bible of young people who lived out their faith boldly, like Daniel, Esther, and David, showing that young people can make a big impact for God’s kingdom.
Personal Responsibility: Preteens learn to take ownership of their faith by participating in activities that encourage service, leadership, and accountability.
Fellowship and Community
In 412 Preteen, we place a strong emphasis on community and building relationships with others. Preteens are encouraged to connect with their peers, form lasting friendships, and support each other in their faith journey.
Small Group Discussions: Each week, preteens break into smaller groups to discuss what they’ve learned and how to apply it in their daily lives.
Special Events: Throughout the year, we host special events such as retreats, outings, and service projects to strengthen bonds within the group and provide opportunities for fun, fellowship, and growth.
Why is 412 Preteen So Important?
The preteen years are an important time for spiritual growth. This is when children begin to ask deeper questions about life and faith, and they need solid, biblical answers to help them navigate these crucial years. At Watts Chapel, we take this responsibility seriously and want to help our preteens grow in their relationship with Christ so they can stand strong in their faith as they move into adolescence.
Our 412 Preteen ministry also provides a safe and supportive environment for preteens to discuss real-life challenges and how to handle them from a biblical perspective. Whether it’s peer pressure, school challenges, or family struggles, our preteens learn that they can turn to God’s Word and rely on their church family for support.
Join Us at 412 Preteen
If you’re looking for a place where your preteen can grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, and learn how to live out their faith with purpose, 412 Preteen is the perfect place! We can’t wait to see how God will use this generation of preteens to make a difference in our community and beyond.
Let’s encourage and equip these young people to be examples of Christ in their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity—because they have the potential to make a huge impact on God’s kingdom!