COVID-19 Pandemic Resources
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. – Psalm 46:10-11
We are in an unprecedented time. In most recent tragedies, we as Jesus’ disciples have been able to physically gather together to worship, sing, and embrace. This time it’s different.
We are all learning a lot about what it means to the family of God. We are seeing He is doing beautiful things in the middle of calamity. Praise be to God He is the one who says “Be Still” to this virus and anything this fallen world brings before us.
We will be doing our best to provide encouragement and new resources for youth and young adult ministry in this uncertain time. We are collecting resources on this page, so bookmark it and come back often! We will also share new resources on the youthESource Facebook page and the LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Group, which you can find by clicking the buttons to the right.
Get the latest updates here:
End Goals Podcast Special Episode: When You Can't Meet Face to Face
Webinar: A Zoom Meetings Tutorial
Youth Ministry Social Media Kit
New Resources
Technology Changes in Youth Ministry Here to Stay?
Technology has always been a fact moving and hard to hit target, but with the changes that have taken place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, that pace has accelerated faster than any might have anticipated. If we focus on the Gospel, we stand a much better chance of making deliberate and intentionally wise choices with our finite resources.
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Skit – Never Alone
In this skit, we highlight how disconnection and loneliness can seem like a constant companion during difficult times like these. Yet, God’s Word brings us hope and reminds us that we are never alone. God is with us and ties us together through the Gospel.
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What One Teen Wants You to Know about a COVID-Impacted World
High School senior Ariana shares a heartfelt perspective on the impact of CoVid-19 on her life. She shares insight and encouragements for how adults, especially youth leaders, can disciple and care for young people in this time.
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Lessons Learned Part 2: How a Pandemic is Shaping a Generation
Our future will undoubtedly be shaped by these times, and those who work with Gen Z must consider the ways this pandemic may affect the youngest generation, and what we can do to continue to work with and reach them right now.
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Lessons Learned: How a Pandemic is Shaping a Generation
For those who will work with Gen Z for many years it’s crucial that we consider the ways this pandemic might affect a generation, and what we can do to continue to work with and reach them right now.
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You Are Doing Enough
What you are doing in ministry is enough. God doesn’t need you to accomplish His good work. He already did it all for us on the cross.
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College Coming Home
With the help of some wise and gracious 20-something friends, Shelly Schwalm offers some ideas for walking with college students in your midst during this time.
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Ambiguous Loss
Our youth have lost long awaited and meaningful moments, and that loss can be deeply painful. As they grieve, we, as people who love and care for young people in our church, we can be loving, constant and Christ-centered examples of how to manage difficult times.
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Intergenerational Connections During Social Distancing
In a time of uncertainty and fear, helping young people and older adults connect can help the light of the Gospel shine through.
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Ten Tips for Youth and Young Adult Video Meetings
Sometimes it’s difficult to connect with students face to face. Time, distance or times of disaster might mean that you must use other tools to connect. Video meetings are a great tool to help build those relationships.
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Forced Into A New Frontier: Youth Ministry In the Age of COVID-19
Coronavirus has fundamentally changed nearly aspect of our daily lives. It’s worth exploring how this is affecting our children and youth, how we can attempt to reach them in the midst of this crisis, and how we can take care of ourselves right now as we attempt to serve others.
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Psalms Devotions
Bible Studies that Connect to the Times We’re In
For Everything a Season: Bible Study for Youth Grieving Things That Have Changed
By the time students have reached middle or high school, they have likely already experienced a number of transformations. When they grieve those changes, it’s important to allow them to process the grief, and to recognize God’s hand in all things. This study does have variations so it can be done over technology.
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Blessed are Those Who Mourn: A Bible Study for Youth Grieving Unexpected Loss
As young people experience unexpected loss, the church should be a safe source of comfort. While students must be allowed opportunity to grieve in whatever way suits them, this study will help you process sudden loss.
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Bible Study: Grieving Ambiguous Loss
Loss is not always connected to tangible things. Sometimes it encompasses the disappointment of missing out on a long-awaited event or opportunity. This Bible study will help you gently guide them through this grieving process and offer consolation, hope, and appropriate Scripture.
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Bible Study: Weep with Those Who Weep
When a friend or loved one is hurting, it can be difficult for adolescents to understand how they should best respond. It may feel awkward and even scary. Teens might wonder what to say or do. The purpose of this Bible study is to provide helpful ideas for teens to reach out to others who experience grief.
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Bible Study: Moving from the Fear of Missing Out to the Joy of Missing Out
We will have times we are anxious, times we are afraid, times we covet, times we feel ungrateful and times we feel left out. God brings grace into our lives for those times and that grace just brings more joy. We will never miss out on God’s grace, and that’s the most joyous place to be.
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