Why Online Church For Kids is Not the Best Option

The pandemic caused many churches to go online with not only their adult services, but their children's ministry programming as well.

Lots of discipleship tools for kids were created and put online.

There has never been a time when so many discipleship resources for kids are available online.

It makes sense in so many ways. Today's kids live online so why not take the Gospel and discipleship to them online?

We should use technology to spread the Gospel and help kids grow in their faith. We should use technology to give parents tools they can use to disciple their children at home.

I said all of that to say this.

I believe online discipleship and church is okay if there are no other options, but it can't take the place of in-person discipleship and church for kids.

Why?

Discipleship happens through relationships. Kids need a caring volunteer who knows them and where they are on their spiritual journey. Someone who calls them by name. Someone who partners with their parents.

Church is meant to happen through congregating in person.

Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the day approaching -Hebrews 10:25

Growing in your faith is not a solo act. Kids need people who will pour into their lives. Kids need a surrounding community that invests in them. Kids need people who will know when they are absent and checks on them and their parents.

Kids need volunteers who will pray for them and their prayer requests in person.

Kids need face-to-face interaction with caring volunteers. Look what Paul says about this.

As we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you FACE TO FACE and supply what is lacking in your faith. -I Thessalonians 3:10

Bottom line - I don't believe that anything can take the place of face to face discipleship. Discipleship happens best face-to-face because it is not just taught. It is also caught by the influence of a caring volunteer.

I can think back through my life and remember the people who invested in me and helped me grow in my faith through the local church. Sunday school teachers. Youth ministry volunteers. Godly men and women who modeled what it means to have a growing relationship with Christ. Men and women who believed in me and spoke truth into my life.

That's what I needed growing up and that's what today's kids need as well if they are going to become lifelong followers of Jesus.

What do you think? Do you believe online church is effective for kids? Is it a viable option compared to in-person church for kids? Why or why not? I'd love to hear your thoughts and insight in the comment section below.