Digital Discipleship

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Quite simply, to be a disciple of Jesus is to be a follower, a learner and having a wholistic understanding of the discipleship process in your church and the particular ways your children and family ministry fit into that process is important. More on that here.

When it comes to digital discipleship, quite simply, it is one way of engaging children and families in the discipleship process. Although this is not anything new, the global pandemic has certainly highlighted the need for an intentional focus on digital discipleship, one of which we must continue to develop going forward. Read this article for 3 Reasons.

Our mission, as we read in the Matthew passage above is the same as it has been for the last 2000+ years…to make disciples. Digital discipleship is a way of discipling that reaches our culture where it is today. It is one tool in our overall discipleship strategy, but arguably a tool that we all must embrace. 5 key reasons include:

1. Outreach. It offers an opportunity to reach children that aren’t in church. Looking at statistics, we know that number is increasing every year.
2. Parent Equipping. It offers an opportunity to engage parents (grandparents, caregivers) in their children’s spiritual formation and equip them to take the lead in their children’s discipleship.
3. Customizable. It offers ways to engage families in ongoing conversations and learning on topics that interest them and also at times that they choose.
4. Ongoing. It offers the opportunity for one-on-one and small group experiences and learning when in person is not possible.
5. Accessibility. It offers a more accessible approach to discipleship for all kids and families.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the further learning that you need to begin develop your digital discipleship plan?

2. How does digital discipleship fit within your whole overall strategy of discipleship?

3. What are the ways that digital discipleship can strengthen your ministry with children and families?

Practical Considerations

When it comes to digital discipleship, really what I am suggesting is designing a hybrid children and family ministry. While the global pandemic forced many of us into a completely digital experience for a season, the reality going forward is that there needs to be a combination of in person and online. To understand this concept as well as the different approaches I recommend checking out John Roberto’s teaching on Hybrid Faith Formation.  

If you are just beginning to develop your digital discipleship plan keep it simple and choose what will work best for your context and community. Become a curator of good quality resources and then further develop your plan as you learn more and discover the most effective ways to reach those your church has been called to reach. Following are simple ways you can get started on a more intentional digital discipleship:

1. Website. Almost every church has a website. Have you considered how your website can be used for faith formation? Consider curating good quality resources into playlists. Read more on playlists and see examples here.
2. Social Media. Do you have a church or ministry facebook page/group, instagram, youtube, tiktok that you already use? How can you utilize that for intentional faith formation? Follow other ministries that are using or producing good quality resources and share them through your channels. CBOQ Kids Instagram has been designed specifically for the purpose of family faith formation. There are daily posts with simple ideas, conversation starters, prayer prompts and more.
3. Create your own content. There are lots of free and lost cost resources you can use to create your own content. Check out a curated list of tools and apps and how to use them here.

Want to have further conversation or coaching on how you can begin to develop an intentional digital discipleship plan for children and family ministry? Contact Tanya.

Resources

This is the book to purchase to learn more about digital discipleship and practical tools to do it well! Read more about it here.

Ministry Tools

Faith Spark Free Canadian discipleship app for ministries. Safely stay connected with the kids and families in your ministry.

Kids Faith Formation

Saddleback Kids Church at Home Online video teaching, parent resources, downloadable activity sheets

Bible App for Kids Website for parents and downloadable app for kids to explore the Bible. It is aimed at preschool/kindergarten age.

Superbook  A website and app for digital evangelism and discipleship of kids. Includes bible videos, challenges, games, etc. Aimed at kids ages 5-12.

Kids Corner Kids devotions, Bible stories, activities. Aimed for kids ages 6-12.

Parent Equipping

CBOQ Kids Instagram Daily posts for Family Faith Formation

Parent Cue Articles and resources for parents as well as a downloadable app that prompts regular devotions, discussion and prayer times for families.

Parenting for Faith Online video parent training available for free, including a leader handbook and participant material. There is also an option to join in regular parent facebook chats, listen to podcasts on various parenting issues.