Ministering During the Pandemic

Ministering During the Pandemic

Introduction

Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. [Isaiah 41:10]

Much has changed about the way we have approached ministry with youth over the past year. While there are certainly disadvantages to ministering remotely, there are opportunities as well: opportunities to expand our use of technology as a way to connect, and opportunities to go deeper in dealing with the issues youth are most concerned about. In this time of social reckoning, let us glean more of whom God is calling us to become.

Curricular and Sample Materials

TitleDetails
Resources for Lent and Easter for Children and Youth
Resources for Lent and Easter for Children and YouthThe Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ has compiled resources for children and youth for Lent and Easter.
Compiled Recommendations for Safely Gathering Youth In-Person
Compiled Recommendations for Safely Gathering Youth In-PersonRecommendations and best practices for gathering youth in-person.
Compiled Ideas for Virtual Church School
Compiled Ideas for Virtual Church SchoolIdeas for a virtual church school year.
Church Safety Best Practices During COVID-19
Church Safety Best Practices During COVID-19Best practices for ministering to youth online during the pandemic and beyond.
Photo of glass
What’s Next?Videos, articles and ideas about re-engagement and what comes next.
Theological Reflections
Theological ReflectionsArticles for theological reflections.
Group of teens framing a wall on a construction site
Creating a Virtual Mission Trip, Service or Camp ExperienceResources for creating a virtual mission trip, service or camp experience.
Celebrating Milestones Online
Celebrating Milestones OnlineIdeas for acknowledging and celebrating milestones with youth online.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral CareHelp in caring for youth and their families during a time of Pandemic.
People sitting at a table with note pads
Training for Youth Workers and VolunteersResources for training youth workers and volunteers, and for gathering your team for bible study.
Large cross with blue sky and clouds
Spiritual PracticesResources and ideas for spiritual practices to help support spiritual health.
Gathering Your Youth
Gathering Your YouthDigital platforms, programming ideas, curricula and more for use in safely gathering your youth virtually and in person.
Scripture of Reassurance
Scripture of ReassuranceScripture that reminds us that God is with us and all is well.
Dr. Angela Gorrell
Guide to Taking Youth Ministry OnlineRev. Angela Gorrell, Ph.D. and Paul Gorrell offer a guide to ministering youth during a time of physical distancing.

Articles and Readings

TitleDetails
COVID Resources
COVID ResourcesA collection of articles and resources to support youth and families curing the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mental Health
Mental HealthArticles and resources on the mental health issues facing adolescents.

Best Practice Videos

TitleDetails
Ministry During the Pandemic
Ministry During the PandemicCaring for Ourselves and Others in Unusual Times