Middle School Ministry

Many people run scared from the middle school youth room. But (thankfully!) there are people out there who are actually drawn to those young teens. Although often times they're not equipped to deal with the unique challenges that middle school ministry presents, or they're just not sure what to do when a room full of young teens (who are "part child, but not quite adult") are running around the youth room. Finally, there's a comprehensive guide to middle school ministry, from two veterans of this unchartered territory.

Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin help youth workers understand the importance of middle school ministry, the development process for young teens and their implications for ministry, and how to best minister to these sometimes misunderstood students. They share their experiences (as middle school pastors and parents of middle schoolers), giving youth workers he encouragement, hope, and training they need to succeed in middle school ministry.


Mark Oestreicher (Marko) is the president of Youth Specialties and a life-long youth worker. He has worked with middle schoolers for about 28 years, both in paid and volunteer positions. Marko has written dozens of books for students and youth workers and speaks to thousands around the world each year.

Scott Rubin has been on staff at Willow Creek Community Church for 18 years, and he's currently the director of Elevate, the junior high ministry at Willow Creek. Scott, along with an entirely-fantastic team of staff and volunteer leaders, has the privilege of helping young adolescents follow Jesus. He also co-authored two books in the Middle School Survival Series with Mark Oestreicher.