Youth Ministry in the Time of Covid-19 (Encouragement)

Youth ministry has looked so different this year.

Church in general has been different, hasn't it? I feel like my group and I have practically lived on Zoom because we have. And now, as schools around us start closing again, and more and more kiddos are quarantining, I find myself returning to the feet of Jesus for encouragement.

I'm tired of this. I'm tired of not being able to go anywhere. I miss hugging my youth. I miss being able to grocery shop. I miss normal. So I come to Jesus -- hungry and desperate for the comfort and ease of familiarity. And the Spirit settles on me like a dove, to remind me of these truths:

1. God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it? -Numbers 23:19 (ESV)

2. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:6 (ESV)

3. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:3 (ESV)

Friends, life is different but different doesn't have to mean bad. We don't have to be defined by the different - instead, we can lean into it. I'm learning that God is the God who knows best, that is in control. That He is teaching me patience and endurance. He's teaching me what loving kids through Zoom and social media platforms looks like. He's broadening my definition of ministry and church. He's consistent in reminding me where I belong and Who I belong to. And He offers this beautiful hope, a hope that fills my spirit like a buttery yellow light. There really is nothing better than Him; He's still good even in the crazy, difficult times.

Hang in there, y'all. Hang in there. Rest in Him.