By Gail Marsh
Isolated? Frustrated? Feel as if your children’s ministry is suddenly complicated? Coronavirus demands that you rethink how to bring Jesus to your families and children this summer. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Virtual Vacation Bible School is an at-home VBS designed for families to use during the Covid-19 shut down. You can check out one program here or design your own stay-at-home version. If you’ve already purchased a published VBS curriculum, plan to use it as your guide. If possible, include an online video where families can hear you read the Bible story, learn new songs, or follow craft directions. (Do all you can to make the experience as personal as possible.) If families are not quarantined, package craft materials, color sheets, and other VBS items inside a bag and arrange a time/place for families to retrieve it.
- For an interactive experience, consider using a Zoom or Skype Meet Now format for Sunday school this summer. Students will be able to see friends and ask or answer questions as you study the Bible together.
- Encourage families to act out a Bible story. Suggest they make a video to share!
- Email a Bible story coloring sheet to families. (Use the postal service for families who do not have internet access or printers.) Encourage parents to color with their child and talk about the featured Bible story. Older kids might enjoy a word search that contains names or key ideas pertaining to a specific Bible story. You can generate your own word search here.
- Create a Watch Party on Facebook for your Sunday kids’ sermon. You might want to post a tease announcement ahead of time to generate interest. Also provide discussion questions and Bible references for parents to use with children after viewing.
- Challenge families to memorize Scripture verses this summer. Be sure to give them hints and tricks to ensure success.
- Engage your volunteers. Sunday school and VBS teachers can contact their students via phone call, postcard, or email. Notes of encouragement, jokes, or uplifting Bible verses can make a huge impact on kids and their families.
- Equip parents and other caregivers with knowledge and materials to lead children to Jesus. If your church has a library, make a way for families to safely access the books and other spiritual growth materials. Or see if families are willing to participate in a Christian book swap—trading books with other families—on a biweekly basis.
- Challenge families to design actions for the words in specific Bible verses. Or, suggest they put a verse to music. Post the results online.
It’s time to move from isolated and frustrated to invigorated and innovative! Start today!
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