5 Things To Consider About Online Youth Ministry During the Coronavirus

There is a new normal, at least for now. That is what they call Social Distancing. The idea is that the coronavirus will burn itself out if we stop gathering together and spreading it to each other.

However, as a church, we have to figure out how we continue to be social, remain connected, and reach out to those in need during such a time. The answer seems to be online meetings.

The problem is that many ministry leaders, pastors and youth directors are now scrambling to figure out how to move ministry to an online format.

So I wanted to share 5 things to think about as we move into this new time of ministry.

5 Points to Ponder…

Take Your Time.. But Not Too Much

If you look out there it seems that everyone jumped online at one time. It might seem like they’ve been doing this for years already and you are way behind the curve. But it doesn’t matter. The key is that you do start finding ways to get online and connect with students. Don’t try to do it all at one time. But get started soon and then add things as you see the need arise.

Use What You Already Have

You don’t need to go order camera equipment from amazon or sign up for big streaming services yet. Use the resources and services you have. My basic set up is an ipad, AirPods, a floor lamp and a sheet. It’s not fancy but it works for what we need right now.

Your church may have a whole production studio. Great! Use it! You may have a smart phone. Trust me, you can do a whole lot with just that. Students are not needing polished, produced videos. They need to hear your voice and the voice of others providing hope.

Ask Others for Help

Many people are finding ways to go online with ministry, and many are sharing what they know. A quick search brings you many articles like this from Nick Farr on How to Set up Online Groups Using Zoom. Join facebook groups like Stuff You Can use where you can connect with other youth leaders and see what they are doing.

We’ve posted our own page where I am constantly updating with new resources for ministry during the coronavirus.

Set Realistic Expectations

Just because students are now at home days a week and available 24 hours a day does not mean you have to be. Remember that you have your own family, other aspects of your job, and your own self care to consider.

Before you set up a studio and start broadcasting, take time to make a schedule. What does your day look like? When are you available to your students, and when are you “off the clock?” Yes there will be emergency situations and things you must take care of. However don’t fall into the temptation be available to everyone all of the time. All it will do is cause you to burn out personally, in your ministry and with your family.

Don’t Compare

There are churches that are already running youth group almost as the always have, just online. They have set up small groups using zoom, posting every hour to instagram. I’ve seen online contest and trivia nights. The reality is that you can quickly become overwhelmed when you look at what everyone else is doing. STOP!

You need to do what you can do for your students. God has equipped you with the tools you need to minister to those he has called you to care for. Know that. You will do fine.

I hope these tips have been helpful. Again make sure and visit this post on doing ministry amidst the coronavirus