Because of our proximity to the “digital native” generation, youth ministers are often assumed to be first-generation digital immigrants. Many of us are quickly able to learn and even master new technologies and programs to keep track of our young people and to meet them where they congregate. Nevertheless, our present reality has inaugurated all of us into a whole new world of relying on digital media to inspire, educate, care, support, and gather young people.
How do we do this well—and safely—with the young people in our ministries? In the space below, the IYM will regularly update you with carefully curated resources to help you stay connected and engaged.
(Last update 06/06/20)
Digital Tools
eLearning Private Classroom from The Upper Room
For further tips and advice:
- We are in This Together from The Liturgists
- COVID-19: Digital Tools for Church from Churches Handbook UK
- Zoom on Mobile App for Blind/Low Vision Users from the Institute on Disabilities from Temple University
- Guide to Taking Youth Ministry Online from Angela and Paul Gorrell
- eformation Learning Community from Virginia Theological Seminary
- How to Have Youth Group on Zoom from Download Youth Ministry
- Navigating New Territory: Moving Ministry Online from Fuller Youth Institute
- Together Apart: A Brand New Resource for Youth Work Online from Youthscape
Digital Activities
Games & Connection
- Virtual Day Camp from United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries
- Digital Escape Rooms & Activities from Sun Prairie (WI) Public Library
- Engage Socially Distanced Youth With This Instagram Fun from Youth Worker Collective
- 30 Ways to Digitally Connect With Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic from Orange Students
- Zoom Youth Group Games from Health Over Hurry
- Netflix Party
- Quiplash from Jackbox Games (Currently $4.99)
Arts & Culture
- Virtual Museum Collections from Google Arts & Culture
- Art Resources During COVID-19 from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
- The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Museum Resources, E-Learning, and Online Collections from MCN (formerly, the Museum Computer Network)
- Teen Book Cloud
- Videos of Celebrities Reading Children’s Books from Storyline Online
- A List of Virtual Concerts to Watch During the Coronavirus Shutdown from NPR
- The Online Music Festival and Events Calendar from Stay at Home Fest
- Take a Virtual Visit to a National Park from the National Park Foundation
Digital Safety
- The Reason Zoom Calls Drain Your Energy from the BBC
- Safe Sanctuaries: Supporting a Shift to Online Youth Ministry Meetings from Discipleship Ministries of the UMC
- Online Worship (May Not Be) the Answer You Are Looking For from The Contemplative Cottage
- Zoom Exhaustion is Real: Here are Six Ways to Find Balance and Stay Connected from Mindful
- Nurturing Relationships Online: Advice from Experts (Youth) from the Search Institute
- Free Cyber Safety Resources During COVID-19 from State of Security by Tripwire
- COVID-19: An Online Safety Kit for Parents and Carers from the eSafety Commissioner of Australia
- Online Safeguarding Guidance from Youthscape and Thirtyone:eight