Engaging Students During COVID-19: 5 Ways to Have Some Fun

In the last month, everything has changed concerning how we do student ministry. Those methods of ministry that we have come to know and depend on no longer work. Everything that we are doing to try and reach our students is new. 

Our mission is the same – to know Christ and make Him known. But, how are we to make an impact in our students’ lives when we cannot be in the same room as them?

Our students are frustrated from missing sports seasons, prom, and graduation. They are overwhelmed with doing school at home. Most of our youth are looking for an outlet. They want connection over content. They need to have people who care about them engaged in their lives. 

Here are a few fun ideas to connect with your youth during the COVID craziness. 

1. (Much) Shorter Messages

A lot of our youth are spending hours a day on video platforms due to school. The last thing they want to do at the end of the day is listen to us giving a 30-minute sermon on John the Baptist. 

Share an encouraging verse and pray for you students. Then, use your time to connect with their hearts. Most of their parents are working during the day and they most likely feel disconnected from others. They need time to talk with people who care to listen. Ask about their days, their struggles, and their needs. Then…point them to Jesus. 

Maybe even let a student lead the time. No matter who leads, this time needs to be about connecting. Make it fun and relational. 

2. Make Calls Interesting 

Advertise to your youth that a special guest will be joining in on the call. If you have connections, use them. Is there someone your students absolutely adore that works at summer camp? Or someone they think is hilarious in your congregation? Pick someone who will make the call engaging and interesting. 

Before your guest joins in on the call, allow your students to guess who it is by playing 20 questions. Winner gets a prize. Door dash gift card, anyone? Allow the guest to lead the call for the night. Ask them to put together something that connects your students with one another. 

Another fantastic way to make a video call interesting is to utilize zoom backgrounds. You’re in student ministry and sometimes that leads us to do ridiculous things. Dress up to match your background and lead the call while in character. Don’t tell your students beforehand. It’s more fun to let them be surprised. Though, you could advertise your character as a special guest. Allow your students to interview your persona. Have fun with it!

These ideas are great to break us out of our normal routines. Students really need this time to be engaging, relational and fun. They need a chance to laugh with their peers. 

Charades – Send out beforehand and have students record. Then play at the beginning of zoom call and let students guess for prizes

3. Netflix Party

Something new that a ton of leaders are taking advantage of are Netflix Parties. You can download the application on Chrome browsers only. As the party organizer, it’s your responsibility to pick out the film and set a watch date. You could even have your students vote on the film in the days before the party. Final four brackets, anyone?

Invite your students via text or social media. Send a plugged-in review of the movie to parents. Drop off some very essential snacks on students’ doorsteps…or not.  

Students will all be able to view the movie at the same time and chat on the screen during the film. What a great way to do something fun together as a group. 

(Be sure that you note that Netflix Party is a new thing and the company is still working out flaws. Most groups have a great experience.) 

4. Games, Games, Games

There are a ton of games that you can play on video calls with your youth! A super simple, no prep option is a costume contest. Don’t give your students a heads up. When you start the video call, surprise them with their instructions. They each have five minutes or less to gather materials in their home and create a costume. Best costume wins. You could give them a heads up before the call. However, it is fun to see their reactions and watch them scramble things together for the contest. 

Another easy game to play is a scavenger hunt. Create a list of things that are found within most homes. Don’t make it super simple, because you don’t want everyone to tie. Use your creativity and add in things that are specific to your church – youth group tee, camp souvenir, etc. 

The best game that I have seen going around is “My Life in Quarantine.” Students are making hilarious videos about what a typical day is like in their homes. It’s great to see creativity and personality shine through in this game. Have students upload their videos to a private Facebook group or something similar. Then, the group can vote on the funniest video. 

5. Serve Together

One of my favorite ways to connect with students is through serving together. Of course, this is difficult when we can’t physically be with one another or with those in need. With some creativity, there are still many ways to serve with our students during this time. 

Encourage students to minister to their neighbors around them. Find local needs that your group may be able to fill. 

Some other things to think about. Does a techy-student have a 3-D printer he can use to make masks? Is there a girl who knows how to sew? How about getting a list of shut-ins and dividing outreach amongst your students? Imagine the look on a lonely widow’s face, as she receives a phone call or letter from a middle school student checking in on her. Equip the next generation to make a difference for Christ. 

Download a printable card for your students to use to offer to serve their neighbors.

Download a printable card to encourage your students to reach out with a simple note.

Ministry Continues

We may be separated by distance, but we can still make an impact. Our students need to feel connected during this time. They need to know that we are still here and that we care. The doors may be closed, but ministry continues. Let’s keep being the hands and feet of Christ in the lives of these students! 

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Bethany Herron is a wife to Jeffrey and mama to Kinsey (4) and Hannah (2). Bethany served alongside Jeffrey leading family ministries for over seven years. Today, Jeffrey serves as a US Army Chaplain, where Bethany ministers alongside him. She is passionate about biblical literacy and teaching God’s big story of redemption.