2 Ways to Stay Relevant in Children’s Ministry during COVID-19

With Easter a few weeks behind us, we have seen churches across Africa and the rest of the world implement innovative and creative strategies to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

COVID-19 has caused major disruptions all around the world. While some countries have begun to lift their lockdowns, the majority of the world continues to adhere to curfews, lockdowns, and travel restrictions. More than ever, the global church has recognized the need to continue to reach and disciple the children and youth they cannot physically meet with. In this time of global uncertainty, one thing remains certain: The Word of God continues to be what we hold onto for our own lives and for the lives of the children we are called to reach.

What strategies have you implemented to continue to reach and disciple children? How are you staying relevant in children’s ministry at a time like this?

Disruptions can be times of worry and inefficiency, but they can also be opportunities for innovation and growth, so how you respond is important. As we adapt our ministry work with children to this new reality, we have an opportunity to stay relevant in their lives through engaging with scripture online.

How can you stay relevant in online ministry?

1. Utilize free discipleship tools for parents and churches!

At a time when ministries are continuing online and in the home, remember that family matters! Based on recent research by Barna Group, we are learning the importance of the home as an opportunity for Scripture engagement.

Sharing these resources with families can provide an avenue for families to encounter the Word together.

• Bible App for Kids: resources for parents and churches to engage children with interactive Bible stories
• Feed: free digital youth ministry resources to engage Gen Z in biblical conversations.

2. Improve your online ministry!

Rob Hoskins, president of OneHope and passionate advocate for children, wrote in his monthly blog about the importance of being proactive to make the right shifts in this season. Rob says,

“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is leveraging digital means to stay connected. Nightly news hosts film specials from their living rooms, social media influencers encourage social distancing, and the Church utilizes online platforms to conduct services. If you’re a parent or guardian, you are likely helping your child navigate online learning. While keeping up with schoolwork is important, technology can also be used to increase Scripture engagement during this prolonged time spent at home.”

In order to provide you and your ministry with some lessons on best ministry practices, here are resources that are more available to you for free!

• Called Podcast: A podcast for church leaders to learn from one another in partnership with RELEVANT.
• Guiding Children Resources: Guiding children on a long-lasting relationship with Jesus from our recent research project in partnership with Barna.

For more resources and best practices on children and youth ministry, sign up for our free online training courses for ministry professionals and volunteers at the 4/14 Academy.