What words come to mind when you hear the word rule? Maybe something like…
- School
- No fun
- Mean
- Something to break
- Structure
What if we swap the word rule with the word value? What words come to mind when you hear the word value? Probably words like…
- Appreciate
- Admire
- Give worth to
- Precious
- Invest in
- Sacrifice for
Values are positive. When you value something, you admire it. It’s special! Value is a soulful word. It points us toward who Jesus says we are.
Why Classroom Values Matter
When we adjust our language to communicate values instead of rules, we’re communicating something positive and inviting kids to rise to the challenge, rather than live by a checklist of laws to keep them in line.
Let’s look at the BE BOLD Values together, which you will review every week with your preteens:
- You’re accepted just as you are.
- We respect each other’s thoughts and struggles.
- We’re all in this together.
- God is here, ready to be your friend because you matter!
These values will become the cornerstone of your ministry culture. They’ll be something to point kids toward when they’re going off track, something that gives preteens a safe place to share, and something that helps newcomers feel welcome. Your preteens will be motivated to participate in this uplifting culture—not out of obligation, but because they are part of a community with shared values. Repeating the values every week ensures that preteens are never confused about what your culture is. So be bold with these important values!
