These two preteens are the unspoken leaders of the group. If they are in a cooperative mood, everyone else follows their example. If they decide to spend the hour making wise cracks or giggling, the others do the same. Deciding how to behave in Sunday School is minor compared to other choices our preteens make every day. The bad news is that they make many of those decisions in much the same way.
Preteens live in a time warp.
They do not get the benefits of being a teenager, nor do they feel they can seek out the security of childhood. They are basically trying to fit into a group that, by definition, doesn't fit in. Our challenge this week will be to help preteens realize that there are times when being a part of the crowd is not worth it. Like Peter and John, they will have to have the courage to stand alone if they are to live for Christ. Challenge preteens to talk with family members about some of the decisions they make as a family that reflect their faith in Christ.