4 Things I learned from Relaunching Children's Ministry

Aug 7

Churches all over are trying to figure out how to reopen and relaunch their services and specifically their children’s ministry. I’m no different. I’m eternally grateful to the leaders I’ve talked to over the last few months who have successfully (whatever that means these days) opened their children’s ministries.

I’m in Florida, so I know that I’m a little bit ahead of the curve. We opened in-person meetings in May and relaunched kids (elementary only) on July 26. I don’t have all the answers, but this is what I’ve learned so far about launching kids ministry in a pandemic filled world.

1. Clarity is key

Andy Stanley has been pushing this lately and I couldn’t agree more. Be upfront with your parents and volunteers with what is happening. Let them know you’re thinking and planning for the future. You don’t have to give them all the details, but some will help. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know” because in reality you don’t and to act like you do is inauthentic.

When we decided to open up, I made this video and sent it out on all of our social media channels. I wrote out my script and taped it to a huge board so I could be clear and concise without stumbling or rambling for too long.

I also created two documents. One was internal that gave all of our plans to the volunteers and staff and the other was external to parents that was more visually appealing and gave the most important information to them.

2. Communicate safety.

Safety has always been a key factor in children’s ministry. I became really aware of it after the Sandy Hook tragedy, but this is a different ballgame. In the aftermath of Sandy Hook, parents wanted to know what my security procedures were, and some wanted the kids’ area to become like Ft. Knox.

Regardless, they still brought their kids to church. For COVID, if they don’t feel safe, they’re not coming, period. I took extra time to explain in my video, my social interactions, and during check-in to over communicate the safety measures we were taking. I even went so far as to spray all of my carpeted seats with Lysol the day before. It was all you could smell, but it communicated cleanliness.

The 3-5 Grade Small Group

To keep the kids safe, I require everyone to wear a mask and take their temperature. I provide masks if someone comes without one and we put a smiley face sticker on the people we’ve temperature checked.

If a kid has a temp of 99, we ask them to step to one side for a minute and calm down. They may just be hot from coming in from outside and not have a fever. If a kid has a temp of 100 or over, we ask the parents to leave for everyone’s safety. Thankfully we haven’t had to do this, but we’re ready in case we do.

Once the kids enter, we seat them six feet apart separated by pool noodles. We also used tape to give the kids a visual guide. When we do small groups, the kids get a little closer, just so we can hear them, but then ask them to move back once group is over. The parents that are coming (there’s not many of them comparatively) are happy with the safety protocols and the kids are just happy to be back!

3. Listen to your volunteers and parents

When I first started the planning process I was against temp checks and kids wearing masks. I thought it was unnecessary and a little bit of security theater. However, when I laid out my preliminary plans to my volunteers they pushed back. They wanted temp checks and parents wanted kids in masks because our schools are requiring them. Since I needed them on board and to have buy-in, I agreed. I’m glad I did.

After our first kids service, I held a quick after-action meeting with my volunteers to get their thoughts on the service and new procedures. Their feedback was invaluable, and we were able to make quick adjustments for the next week.

Don’t make your decisions in a vacuum. You can’t run a successful children’s ministry without your volunteer and parent buy-in.

4. Continue online

When the pandemic hit, we all had to make some major changes to the way we did services. The shift to online was a steep learning curve, and like you, I’m still trying to figure this thing out. That said, I wouldn’t give in to the temptation of discontinuing your online presence.

The truth is I’m only seeing about 10% of the kids in person I was seeing pre-COVID. There are a lot of factors as to why, but nevertheless, if I still want to minister to the kids and parents that are a part of my church then I need to keep online.

Even when all this is over and we get back to “normal,” kids will still go on vacation, play travel ball, or decide to play Fortnite instead of coming to church. We now have the tools and resources to reach them not just on Sunday morning for an hour but all week.

I’m beginning to think of my online presence as another campus. We already have two physical campuses. This is just a third. There are families who watch my services that I may never meet in person. This has been common in Church world for a while, but it is an emerging concept in kidmin. You can see my online content on Facebook here and YouTube here.

I don’t have all the answers and I’m still learning like you. Spend time in prayer and talk with your parents, volunteers, and leadership to find the best next step forward. Like Anna says in Frozen 2, you don’t need to know the whole picture, just the next right thing.

What are you doing to reach kids and families in this time?