by Jerry Varner, Student Discipleship Pastor
I'm as excited as most people to be through with 2020, but so far 2021 hasn't really proven itself as the bright new day we had quietly (or loudly) hoped for, has it? As we continue as a society and community to wrestle with this virus, it has long-since become clear that what was isn't and our efforts to cling to pre-pandemic days are proving futile.
I've had conversations and you have to, about the speculated duration of the current reality. No one has a crystal ball and can tell us how much longer we will need to hold our collective breath, but be that as it may we ought not simply mark time either; not as individuals and DEFINITELY not as a student ministry.
So, what needs to change as we continue on this journey? What tools need to be employed? What things need to be let go of? Are there attempts at forward motion that need to be revisited? Abandoned? In short, how can we BEST and MOST EFFECTIVELY continue to make disciples of the next generation DESPITE the obstacles that so clearly present themselves as thick concrete barriers?
I'm an embracer of technology. Of course my inclination and preference is in face-to-face conversations and interactions, but over the past several months we have begun and continued several methods of connection such as:
*Our student worship service ("The Mixx") livestream every Sunday at 11 on YouTube (Channel: Southside Students VA)
*We have been producing and publishing a weekly podcast--the only of its kind, in fact!--where students can simply talk about what is on their mind (Its the "2x4 Student Podcast" and if you haven't checked it out, please do! A new episode is released every Wednesday. Its on iTunes, Spotify, Anchor, and many other platforms),
*We continue to keep our social media active:
Follow us on Instagram @southsiders and on our own Facebook page
*We have used Zoom to carry on small groups for students unable to meet in person, and in other ways have leveraged technology to help students stay connected.
And all this is IN ADDITION TO all the in-person opportunities given to students week in and week out.
So it is at this point in 2021, at the threshold of February that we take stock in what we're doing. What is working? What isn't? Are we truly firing all cylinders when it comes to supporting parents, families, and students?
To that end, I want to invite your input. I want to establish a Parent Panel that seeks to keep its pulse on the felt needs of our student ministry families. If you'd like to be a part of an ongoing Parent Panel, praying for our students, discussing the felt needs of our students, AND being on the frontline of info, decisions, and vision, then please email [email protected]. Our gatherings will be virtual (for convenient participation) and held monthly. Those who indicate their interest via email will receive the dates and details our gatherings.
I want to be sure that we are doing absolutely everything we possibly to can to accommodate every student for the purpose of connection, spiritual growth, meaningful serving opportunities, and reaching out beyond ourselves. Connect, Grow, Serve, & Reach are not just buzz words we toss around periodically. They are the very blueprint that helps us navigate what we're doing and why.
Can you share with us your opinions on what is most helpful to you and your student(s) when it comes to discipling and connecting? Believe me, I understand the inundation of information and how even the best content can get swept away in a sea of noise. But I only want to evaluate what we're doing and its ACTUAL effectiveness. Because quite frankly to do what we've done simply because its what we've done is a nauseating thought.
Would you respond with your thoughts, no holds barred? Send your emails to [email protected] or text (804) 464-7077. In all sincerity, we'd love to hear from you and how we can better help support your family.