Children’s Ministry Is BACK!
June 15, 2021
Children’s Ministry Is BACK!
Helping Children Re-Engage Post-Pandemic
by Wendy Berghane, Hearts Alive Curriculum Specialist
Your minister has given you the green light to start up programming again! As exciting as this news is, you can’t help but feel a little nervous… It’s been SO LONG since you’ve had little voices singing and playing in the Sunday School rooms. It’s one thing to dust off the Children’s Church curriculum, but how are you going to prepare for these kids whose world has been so different for the past year?
Children are so resilient–much more resilient than we often give them credit for. But even with that understanding, there are some things you and your ministry staff and volunteers can do to help them ease back into activities.
Remember that every child will come with a completely different experience. Some children have been at home with little social interaction. They’ve completed their schooling virtually, or Mom may have moved into homeschooling during this time. Some children may have headed back to their school building, but it all looked so different filled with masked faces, social distancing, plastic partitions, and strict sanitation rules. Some children may have witnessed a sick family member or listened to nightly news stories about the virus. Other children may have had very little disruption to their life, other than wearing a mask when out shopping. It’s important to remember that all families will be coming from a different place. You can think of this as a child or family’s “Covid story.” And because each person has had such unique experiences, each person will re-engage with the world a little differently.
It is important to affirm each child’s “Covid story” when they walk onto your campus.
As kids begin to have opportunities to re-engage in social situations, you may see all sorts of behaviors– everything from hesitation to participate in games or activities to the overly enthused child who can hardly stay in their seat! You may see children with some anxieties and fears that seem atypical (concerns with “safety” or “germs”). You may see children struggle with transitions or schedules. And you may see some children who are rusty with their social skills. It will take some time and encouragement for these kids to become comfortable and confident in their world again, so a lot of love and patience is needed. Affirmation of feelings and gentle words of reassurance will be helpful. Lots of smiles and high-fives are fantastic ways to help little hearts feel safe and loved. Allowing children to take their time and not feel pressured to fully participate right away is ok. As mentioned before, kids are so resilient, and before you know it, you will have a rockin’ house of kids worship again!
Most importantly, as children’s ministry programs begin to resume, we have a unique opportunity to use this historic moment in time to teach children so many things about a very faithful God.
We can help them understand the unchanging character of God as we help them to see all that God provides us with each day. We can help kids grow in God’s peace as we teach them that God doesn’t want us to live in worry or fear. And what an amazing time to talk about Jesus, and the amazing gift of salvation!
No matter how unsettling things are here on earth, we know things like Covid don’t change the end of the story.
Through Jesus, we will be safe with God forever one day, and what a great day that will be! These conversations can offer an amazing opportunity for true, personal relationship building with Christ as children not only focus on God’s blessings but begin to rely on God’s promises as well!
So we are feeling a bit better about caring for the kids that walk through the church doors, but what about their parents and caregivers? It’s so important that we work to help parents re-engage in ministry too! Parents have been through the wringer during this pandemic. Wanting to protect their families and having to adapt to a new way of life for a time has certainly been a heavy weight on their shoulders. Many parents have had to figure out how to work from home. Some have lost jobs. Many have felt frustrated, scared, and alone. Parents may need to hear some of the same messages mentioned above. They may need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and may be struggling with feeling God’s peace. Offering words of encouragement is a great place to start. Help parents feel comfortable and understood by listening to their stories and respecting their personal “Covid story.” Remind them of biblical truths. Pray with them and pray for them. Help them feel the love of their Father through your loving and welcoming words. Consider offering family nights this summer to help parents re-engage in the church as well! Coming together for a family game night or church-wide picnic in the park will help build relationships and offer support among parents too!
This has not been an easy season. Gathering back together is exciting and a bit nerve wracking. But don’t forget that it is also a beautiful opportunity to help families recognize and build upon a faithful relationship with God.
Romans 8:28-39 reminds us that this life will be filled with struggles, but God never loses control and will work all things according to his purpose. Friends, this pandemic is an opportunity to help children and families grow in their faith, be reminded of God’s promises, and go deeper in relationship with Jesus. Take that knowledge with you as you re-open your doors and know that God is working!
May God bless your ministry abundantly!
Related Resources:
Hearts Alive Sunday School and Children's Church provide liturgical congregations a highly-anticipated children’s curriculum that combines captivating content, lectionary alignment, and Gospel focus for children ages 3-12. For those seeking to engage children in a fun, age-appropriate application to the Revised Common Lectionary, Hearts Alive is a three-year course of study to give children a strong overview of the story of salvation and how it ties to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Hearts Alive supports and elevates liturgical traditions and the church calendar while using clear, contemporary learning techniques to present the Word of God. Learn more in our online community.
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