Tips for Online

Faith Forming Gatherings

With Children & Families

UPDATE: As both children and adults experience Zoom fatigue, I've added a few techniques that have been helpful in creating a more sacred, calming space.

As we have been launched into a new online only ministry reality, the learning curve has been steep. Included in this document is a growing list of tips and best practices for gathering children online for faith formation.

It is not easy, but gifts of unexpected grace appear.

Blessings, Christine V. Hides

Ways to Counter "Zoom Fatigue"

Invite Deep Breaths

Just a few breaths in through the nose, with the exhale longer than the inhale is calming.

Place a Candle or Centering Object Near

Light reminds us that God is with each of us where we re.

Say, "I see you."

I was on a webinar with "Music that Makes Community" which started with these words. Even though my video was off, I felt present with others.

Use a Two Word Check in

This is Brene Brown's toolfor leading emotionally intelligent meetings.

Use Holy Listening Stones

These are an open ended prompt for children and adults to share their feelings and experiences.

Leave Room for Silence

I led a short worship service where we offered people 3 minutes to reflect silently on scripture and the option to turn their camera off during relfection. These few moments were a gift.

Share a Blessing

Personalized blessings are meaningful and comforting. Jan Richardson's blessings, like "Stay" are also fitting.

Name the Type of Space and Shape of the Gathering

This is some text within the boxed area. There is plenty of space for as much text as you need.

Tips For Online Worship & Sunday School With Children

Safety First

Follow your safe child policies online, including having two, background checked adults present. Check your meetings settings, be aware of how to prevent "Zoom Bombing" style attacks.

Create Your Plan

Our Sunday school and children's chapel follow the four-part pattern of worship: Gathering, God's Word, Response, Sending. We follow this pattern in our online gatherings, too.

Start Your Gathering Off Right

Begin by introducing yourself and asking children to wave or give a thumbs up if they can hear you. Decide when participants will be muted and if they will have the ability to unmute themselves. Share the plan so they know what to expect.

Create Opportunities for Participation

Ask questions that can be answered with movement (thumbs up, hand on your head.) Have participants light a candle at home. Pass the peace with fingers in a "V" shape. Lead a movement prayer.

Tips For Online Worship & Sunday School With Children

Use Breakout Rooms & Chat Features

Some online meeting platforms have the ability to break out into smaller groups. Groups of 4-5 children, with an adult, work well for conversation groups because each person has an opportunity to share. The chat feature also works well for everyone to have an opportunity to share.

Focus on Connection not Perfection

Everyone has been launched into a strange new reality of distance. This causes worry and anxiety. What matters more than the lesson right now is connection. Children are comforted by seeing their friends and children's ministry leaders online.

Have them Share Something from Home

What a gift to be able to join children in their living rooms! Have them hold up an object or drawing form home that relates to the story. It is a great way to connect home and church!

End Well

Have everyone lift their hands or touch the shoulder of a family member as you lead a blessing. Consider having a few minutes of fellowship (a.k.a. free for all) where children are all unmuted. It is joyfully loud!

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As I read the social media posts from church leaders over the weekend, I realized how vulnerable it feels to do online worship and ministry. We worry about lighting, technology, and a million small details. My firm belief is that our people are looking for connection over perfection these days. Grace abounds in this time.

Let us be heartened, for God reveals Godself however God wills. We who know God by burning bush, by bread and wine, and by an empty tomb can certainly know God over WiFi, even as we long to feel the deep bass of the organ rumble through our core, to pass Christ’s peace through the handshakes of our congregation, and in the comforting familiarity of the sanctuary.

May our online worship and prayer, learning and praise be holy and pleasing to God in these coming weeks. You’ve got this. God’s got this. Thanks be to God.

Visit ChristineVHides.com

Tips for Online

Faith Forming Gatherings

With Children & Families

Ways to Counter "Zoom Fatigue"

Invite Deep Breaths

Say, "I see you."

Use a Two Word Check in​

Use Holy Listening Stones

Leave Room for Silence

Share a Blessing

Name the Type of Space and Shape of the Gathering

Tips For Online Worship & Sunday School With Children

Safety First

Create Your Plan

Start Your Gathering Off Right​

Create Opportunities for Participation

Tips For Online Worship & Sunday School With Children

Use Breakout Rooms & Chat Features

Focus on Connection not Perfection

End Well

You may also Be Interested In:

Use a Two Word Check in

Start Your Gathering Off Right