Leading youth during #stayhome

I know this is a lot to take in.

What we are going through right now is unlike anything we have experienced in the U.S. The challenge will grow in the days ahead.

I know some of you are only a year or so out of high school yourselves. Others are tackling schooling children at home, and some are also caring for parents. I hear you, and I am praying for you.

You are not alone

In what seemed like the blink of an eye life and ministry changed for all of us. Now we are learning on the same curve. We have new opportunities and new challenges, but the curve exists across all our ministries.

Please consider sharing what you are learning. A small “hack” you have discovered may help another group take a giant step forward.

Zoom together! Many of you know one another from larger youth events. Blend a meeting with another group. Share music, a faith story from each group or a devotion. Crossing state lines has never been easier. 

Your youth need you now more than ever

If we are facing challenges, our students are facing even more. Most teens have no context for what we are experiencing. New England has been on the winning side much of their entire life. They are the generation of sports champions and duck boat parades. They live in the land of high academics, ethnic cultural pride and the beauty of four seasons. They were born after or do not remember September 11th. Most were unaware of the recession in the late 2000s.

The good news is they have used technology their whole lives. They are accustomed to connecting and communicating. In many ways, they are prepared for this season. Capitalize on this, and let them help you. Let them lead the way in connecting and meeting online.

Develop a regular connection

One idea is to make a Daily Link by creating a list of your teens and placing them in an order of support. If you prefer you can have two lists, one male one female. Here’s how it works:

Choose a time bracket (I suggest 2-5 p.m. as most are doing school work earlier during the day). One person begins the daily link. Number one calls or messages number two which will then activate the link. Following that contact, they will connect with their person and so on until the circle is completed.

You give the first person the plan for the day to keep each day fresh. (See ideas below.) After a week, shuffle the list to connect with new people. Youth leaders can be incorporated into the order or have their own circle.

• How’s your day? High? Low?

• Something you are thankful for?

• How can I pray for you?

• Favorite verse?

• Your faith story?

• A funny thing that has happened during #stayhome?

• What has been the greatest challenge with #stayhome?

• Favorite book?

• Describe your family…parents? Siblings?

• What was your favorite subject in school or homeschool?

• What music have you been listening to?

• Who is an influential figure in your life?

• A lesson God has been teaching you during #stayhome?

We are the body of Christ, and we are connected. The Holy Spirit is our common denominator, and He gives us guidance, comfort and hope. So stay in touch. This is big, but God is bigger!

Allyson Clark serves as Next Generation Co-Director of Youth Ministries at the Baptist Convention of New England.