In 2023, every child in your ministry was born into a technologically-connected, digital world. Their parents are even considered to be digital natives. They do not know a life without the existence of the internet nor do they know one without access to the internet.
Brittany Nelson, creator of Deeper Kidmin, wrote on Ministry Spark, “We can fault a generation of kids and parents for living in the only reality they’ve ever known, or we can step into their realities—both real and digital—to reach them with the gospel and teach them about Jesus.”
And she’s right, the good news of Jesus doesn’t change, but how we might deliver or reinforce that good news can adapt with how people are taking in information.
The fact is: Children and their parents will spend time on screens. The question is: Are we giving them something to spend their time with?
“We can fault a generation of kids and parents for living in the only reality they’ve ever known, or we can step into their realities—both real and digital—to reach them with the gospel and teach them about Jesus.”
Brittany Nelson, Creator of Deeper Kidmin
Digital Learning Defined
Learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught (Oxford English Dictionary). Digital learning, then, is any type of learning that utilizes technology to enhance, create, or encourage the acquisition of new knowledge or skills.
You can implement digital learning in a variety of ways:
Curriculum:
What resources are available in the curriculum you are using for both time in class and at home?
Video:
You can always play a video that’s related to the Bible lesson you are teaching. Many curriculum publishers provide videos in the curriculum, but if not, you can see what resources are out there—whether for worship time, countdowns, or for Bible review.
Games:
Kids learn through play! So, having games that they can play both with and without digital tools is a great way to connect the dots.
At Home:
We cannot forget about this! Maybe you share with parents through social media or email, or maybe you share your favorite Bible apps for kids! Your curriculum might also have great components for engaging families at home.
The good news is that screen time can connect to God time when we use the right resources.
The fact is: Children and their parents will spend time on screens. The question is: Are we giving them something to spend their time with?
Take Heart!
You may not think you are using technology well, but we are sure that you’re likely using it more than you realize. So be easy on yourself!
You probably already use a check-in station, interact on social media, and use video at some point in your children’s ministry. Awesome!
Here are some ways we can be more intentional with technology as ministry leaders:
- If you don’t know what you’re doing, ask for help!
- Look for inspiration in and outside of the church.
- Give the tech-time to another leader, delegating to someone who is more familiar is not a bad thing.
- Take time to learn more online. There are awesome resources, including children’s ministry groups, that can help you as you desire to learn more.
- Look for ways to improve, even if you need to start small.
- Read further on this topic here.
Download What If We’re Failing Kids at Faith Formation? And How Not To
This faith formation guide shares our desire to invite kids, parents, and volunteers into a Gospel-centered journey of curiosity, belief, faith, and identity.
Wonder Ink’s 3-year, 52-week children’s ministry curriculum offers kids space to fully find their place in God’s Big Story. Children discover they are Known by God, Loved by Jesus, and Led by the Holy Spirit.
