We are all finding ourselves in very unique situations as a result of the COVID 19 Pandemic. This provides unique opportunities for a different kind of ministry to kids and families. Scripture directs us to use opportunities both to help believers and people who do not yet believe.

Galatians 6:10 says,

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Colossians 4: 5 says

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

The church at this time can rise up and give HOPE to their people and the community at large – Jesus is our hope! This is the perfect time to press forward with the Great Commission to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel!” This is our WHY – our mandate, not our option. This begs the question – How?
How do I do Children’s Ministries during COVID 19 Pandemic?

1. Embrace the message of hope and peace through Jesus Christ yourself so you can be a dispenser of hope and peace. Spend regular transformational time with Jesus on your own in His word and in His presence and cultivate a thankful attitude. Here are some scriptures that help me do this:

• Proverbs 3: 5-6

• Romans 15:13

• Philippians 4:4; 6-7, 13

2. Design a plan that you can carry out weekly that is SUSTAINABLE for multiple months.
Start with one or two things you and your high-level leaders can do well, you can add more as long as it is sustainable or maybe you even can do special features (like craft ideas, family activity ideas) once in a while.

a. Find or create a weekly online experience that can be played by your kids on their family devices at home. Bear in mind it should be shorter in length than when you have the kids in front of you so they will stay engaged right to the end.

b. Compose a weekly email to send to the parents, create a short video or post resources and activities on your Children’s Ministries page (on your church website) that can be helpful ideas for your families to enhance how they spend their time at home. (Or find what social media type your church responds best to.)

3. Stay Connected

a. Connect regularly with your Pastor and staff at your church. Ensure good
communication and support.

b. Connect with your volunteers and invest in them. Identify the high-level leaders that can help you lead and create during this time. Remember - Teamwork is a healthier more sustainable way to do ministry.

c. Connect with the Parents and Kids in your orbit. (It can even be a “speakerphone call” to say hello to the whole family) You can start with a weekly email, but nothing is more effective than a personal phone call. In smaller churches, you will be able to manage the phone calling yourself or with one other trusted person helping. In medium or large churches, identify high-level leaders from your volunteer pool, give them 5-8 people/families to call regularly (alternate weeks) identify needs and strategize with who does Pastoral care in your church to get help to those in need. Encourage people to reach out to others within your church and those they know in the community regularly.

4. Create teams of people who can be mobilized to help
People want to help, it gives purpose and connection

a. A needs response team – who can buy groceries or fulfill a practical need in the church or community that presents itself

b. Create a prayer team to pray for people over the phone or on their own with a prayer list your church can assemble

Your District Resource Centre aims to help equip you during this incredible time, please
refer to our website for fresh resource posts and information.  If you need help dreaming
ideas, please contact kathy@abnwt.com

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