As Kids Pastors we’ve always said our job is not babysitting but, that we actually are discipling and teaching kids the living word of God. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is our time to shine! Here are a few tips I would suggest to disciple kids but, also to expand and reach more kids for Jesus during this season.
Start a Youtube channel for your lessons! Think of the hottest Youtube stars? They have quick videos; But the kids remember them and watch them so intently, sometimes more than once! YouTube is the new Saturday morning cartoons: What an awesome opportunity we have to tap into! Also, start social media accounts specifically for your Kids Ministry so both kids and Parents can follow along.
Make it Simple
Many Parents are overwhelmed right now, not only having to work from home, but also having to homeschool their kids. The idea of taking on a lot of worksheets and lessons from the church is too much for many. So, preach the gospel in a way that doesn’t require an excess of supplies to get the lesson across. For example, if your main lesson is to email out worksheets; many people don’t have printers and so they’re not able to use them. Use supplies and ideas in your lessons that most people keep in their home. Do not try to fit your entire one-hour usual program into your online video lesson. A shorter more simple lesson is just as, if not more effective in these times.
Make it Interactive
Kids right now are home ALL day long. They’re unable to see their friends and so they need things to do. Give daily online challenges through your social media accounts. For example; Build a fort and use the church hashtag in the comment section. If you offer a small incentive, post the challenge on your local Facebook community pages and invite your neighbourhood to participate. This will drive them back to your social media accounts and they can learn more about your church. Also, for your online video Bible lessons, have a basic activity that kids can do themselves and with supplies they likely have on hand! Kids love to stay busy and an activity helps to reinforce the lesson.
Think Long Term
We have been forced into this online experience in a rush, but the reality is that this way of connecting with people will likely not be going away. Look at it with a big picture in mind! Millions and Millions of kids watch YouTube every single day! We’re now being more diligent about existing in that creative space, so let’s use this opportunity for spreading the word of God everywhere to expand and influence more kids than just the ones that walk through our church doors.
Think Wholistic
During your Church’s main online service, be creative in incorporating kids into it. Here are some ways you can do that; Encourage families to watch together and have moments of the service directed to kids. For example; Encourage families to have a dance parties with their kids, bring out streamers and have fun! Give a few moments in your service for families to pray aloud together; what an awesome opportunity that doesn’t normally get to happen. Hosting communion online? Equip parents with a few key lines to help explain it to their kids.
Take a look at our Channel for some ideas! Remember, none of us have ever done this before, so we’re all in this together learning more everyday! Cheering you on!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Guest Post by Lisa Gorsky. Lisa is the Family Ministries Pastor at First Assembly in Calgary.