Months after COVID-19 began disrupting the way we did just about everything, churches are still trying to navigate the disruptions. As difficult as it has been, churches must also recognize the opportunities to reassess and reset in this season.

New York was one of the first states to limit in-person interactions and issue a stay-at-home order. Our city’s shutdown was the longest of any area in the nation. During this time, churches shifted to online services and mobilized teams to go out and meet the needs of the community.

Our children’s ministry team provided on-demand digital experiences for children and facilitated small groups that met via Zoom. In addition, children received drive-by visits and mailings from their small group leaders.

Recognizing these methods were not providing the same connections made possible through in-person interactions, we complemented our approach by calling on the ones who were accessible for those connections: parents.

We reached out to meet the physical needs of families. We also offered resources to provide context and enhance the digital experiences of children learning at home. In addition, we distributed materials to help kids process emotions related to the pandemic and racial injustice.

When we finally opened our doors in late June, we added a family service to the weekend schedule. It uses a multigenerational approach to present the same message people hear at the other services. Families can then continue conversations on the message throughout the week.

This approach is changing the way we minister to children and families. While we continue to encourage community within age-specific small groups, we have shifted from discipling kids to equipping parents to disciple their children.

God’s plan for children has always been that parents be the primary disciple makers.

Although church leaders agree parents are most responsible for a child’s spiritual formation and development, only 1 in 5 churches prioritize training and equipping of parents, according to Barna Group. When asked how their churches address spiritual formation in kids, 73% cited Sunday School or a similar setting. Yet only 10% provide parents with training or resources to help them disciple their children.

Even while agreeing that parents are the primary influencers, church leaders continue to use a ministry model that enables parents to outsource the spiritual development of children to kids’ pastors.

God’s plan for children has always been that parents be the primary disciple makers. In Deuteronomy 6:4-7, God instructs His people to diligently teach their children. As church leaders, our job is to equip God’s people to do their own works of ministry. As they do this, they enlarge and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).

As churches reopen their doors, some are unable to offer kids’ programing at this time. And many families are not yet comfortable attending services in person. If people choose to remain home, or if we experience another shutdown, are families prepared to nurture faith at home? How can children’s pastors equip parents and come alongside them?

Current events have compelled us to do ministry outside of our routines. As we move forward, there are many unknowns. What we do know is it has never been this way before. Just as the Israelites needed the presence of God to guide them into their new season as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, we must seek the guidance of God’s Word and Spirit today.

The Bible provides examples of how Jesus made disciples and what discipleship looked like in the Early Church. We may need to reset some of our methods to follow more closely the patterns found in Scripture, while we continue to innovate through technology. And children’s ministries may need to collaborate with others in the local church to help us carry this out.

The disruptions of this season can still work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). As we take time to refocus, we must not allow the desire for a return to normal cause us to miss the restoration that can take place in our mission of making disciples.

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2020 edition of Influence magazine.