As communities worldwide gradually emerge from lockdown, churches are thoughtfully considering the reopening of their buildings and the resumption of in-person activities, including vital children’s and youth programs. The anticipation of reuniting in person is met with understandable excitement. Many children’s and youth ministries adapted remarkably over the past year, moving online and discovering innovative ways to engage young people virtually. We’ve learned a great deal and expanded our reach in unexpected ways.
However, as we eagerly plan for the return to in-building activities, it’s crucial that we carry forward the valuable lessons and progress made during this unique period. We must not abandon the connections forged online, particularly with children and young people who, for various reasons, may not be able to participate in traditional in-person settings. To ensure a truly inclusive environment, we can draw inspiration from a heartwarming source: Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” and its powerful message:
The quote, “Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten,” resonates deeply in this context. Often, families of children with additional needs or disabilities can feel overlooked when churches plan activities. While the enthusiasm for resuming in-person services is palpable, we must be mindful of inadvertently creating new barriers to inclusion. Celebrating the end of online sessions might unintentionally exclude those families who found connection and belonging through virtual platforms.
Let’s not view this as an either/or scenario—online versus in-building ministry. Instead, let’s commit to a hybrid approach that embraces both, ensuring that no one is left behind or forgotten. Here are 5 key ‘C’s’ to guide your church in fostering this inclusive ‘Ohana’ spirit:
5 ‘C’s’ to Embody ‘Ohana’ in Your Church Ministry
1. Communicate: Open and direct communication is the cornerstone of inclusion. Actively seek input from families about their preferences, accessibility needs, and any resources required for participation. Involve them in the planning process, remembering the disability community’s powerful principle: “Nothing about us without us.” Understanding their perspectives ensures that your approach is truly responsive and considerate.
2. Community: Broaden your definition of community to encompass both those who attend in person and those who connect from home. Design activities that intentionally bridge these two groups, fostering a sense of “togetherness” regardless of location. This unified approach ensures that everyone feels like a valued member of the church family, experiencing the same sense of belonging and connection.
3. Camera: Implementing a hybrid model effectively goes beyond simply broadcasting an in-person program online. It requires creating a truly interactive experience. This means using cameras dynamically to capture in-building activities and, crucially, to bring home participants into the heart of the session. Give families at home opportunities to contribute, share, and even lead portions of the activity. Display home participants on screens in the building and vice versa, creating a seamless and engaging exchange for everyone involved.
4. Creativity: When planning crafts or creative activities, think proactively about how to equip families participating from home. Consider delivering resource bags containing all necessary materials to their doorsteps. This ensures that children and young people at home can fully participate alongside their in-building peers. For children with additional needs, enhance program schedules and instructions with visual aids like symbols and photos, making them more accessible and understandable for everyone.
5. Check-in: Just as you would chat with families at in-person pickups, make it a practice to personally connect with families participating online. Instead of relying solely on email, pick up the phone or arrange a socially distanced visit. Ask about their experience with the online sessions. What worked well? What could be improved? What specific needs do they have for future sessions? How would they like to be involved going forward? This ongoing dialogue demonstrates your commitment to their inclusion and helps you continually refine your hybrid approach.
By embracing these 5 ‘C’s’, your church can confidently move forward into this “new normal,” ensuring that the spirit of ‘Ohana’ – where family means no one gets left behind or forgotten – is truly lived out. Whether families engage with your ministry in-building or from the comfort of their homes, your focus on connection and community will ensure that everyone experiences the profound sense of belonging that lies at the heart of ‘Ohana’.
See also:
Lost In Lockdown Again? How To Keep On Supporting Children With Additional Needs https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/2021/01/10/lockdown-2/
Just Keep Swimming: Disabled Characters In Disney Pixar Films https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/2020/05/21/disney/
