This is a guest post from Brad Callaway, the Minister of Youth and Education at Unity Baptist Church, where he has been serving for the past 14 years. He lives in Ashland Kentucky with his wife and three children.
A lot of resources and information has been developed to help church leaders navigate the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Most of that information, however, is focused on the church as a whole. But what about youth and student ministry?
This is a perfect season to take stock and refocus for the days ahead. Here are five pro-tips for student ministry from a ministry veteran.
1. Don’t Unplug! – As easy as it is to unplug from people during isolations, don’t. You’re students need you, if not more than ever right now!
2. Nurture Your Soul – Time has shifted during this period. What time you spent doing other things has surely opened a door to focus more on your spiritual health. If not, make that time. Teaching from the overflow of God’s grace is what your students need from you.
3. Be Aware of God’s Presence – Just because we are all running this life race at a different pace now, doesn’t mean God has stopped working and moving in our midst! He is so active around us!
4. Be Creative in Relational Opportunities – You’re students NEED to not just get text from you, but they need to see you and each other! Think outside of the box a little more and provide opportunities for students to safely build relationships.
5. Don’t Lose Heart – There is a calling upon your soul to lead students right now! Will things ever be the way they were before COVID? Probably not. Will your group look the same? Probably not. Will students fall away? Probably so. The harvest is ready, and you are a harvester. Go harvest souls for Christ. Lean into Christ and mentors for encouragement, guidance, and healing.
What did I miss? Leave a comment in the comment section below to continue the conversation about student ministry in these changing times.
