Since March, the effects of the Covid19 pandemic have had a huge impact on ministry life. Five months later most churches are not fully open and are offering some level of virtual ministry. Most of those that have opened are doing so without Children’s Ministry or have a modified version of Children’s Ministry. Most churches throughout the country have cancelled camps and VBS. Those of us who serve in Kidsmin have all scrambled to learn new technologies, became experts at Zoom and virtual everything, and have tried to discern what families need or want from us during this time of isolation. So, to quote Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, “We are not in Kansas anymore!” Ministry has changed and I believe that getting back to “normal” is most likely not what is out in front of us. What your church was before this break because of COVID-19 is going to be changed on the other side. I believe that the call on church is to begin discerning what the new normal will be. I believe it is a call from God to listen and be ready to walk with God in new ways and explore this “new normal.”
When I talk with my students about change, I’ve shared with them that to help those you lead walk with you through a time of change, you first must let them know what hasn’t or won’t change. So, in this time of changing ministry, let me share with you what has not changed:
- Children still matter to God
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- Children are gift and sources of joy Gen 3:5; 48:9, Ps. 113:9; 127:3; Prov. 23:24
- Children are models of faith Matt. 18:2-5; 10:14; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17
- Jesus values children- When his disciples rebuked them, Jesus welcomed them- Let the little children come to me- Mark 10:14-15
- Children are in need of justice and compassion- Ps. 68:5, 82:3-4; Matt. 18:6
- Scripture is clear on the responsibility to train up children in the faith. Deut. 6, Prov.22; Eph 6:4
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- Ministry may look very different, but God’s call on your life remains the same.
- You were created by God on purpose with a purpose. Live into that purpose and calling. You may need to take some time to discover what new spaces God is asking you to enter but know that God’s call and purpose for your life remains. Be still, listen and be ready to follow God’s leading.
- You are loved and God will equip and empower you to serve in these new spaces. For those who God calls, He will equip. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6.
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
