Recommendations for Youth Ministry Online Gatherings

• DO leverage the best features and dynamics of online meetings. 
  • You will not be able to replicate every aspect of a physical in-person meeting in an online setting. Be discerning about what information can be shared or activities can best be delivered on and off your online gathering.
• DO get familiar with your video conferencing platform and its features.
  • Zoom - https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials
  • GoToMeeting - https://www.gotomeeting.com/get-started
  • Cisco Webex - https://help.webex.com/en-us/8bzter/Cisco-Webex-Meetings-Video-Tutorials
  • Google Meet - https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720?hl=en
  • Join.me - https://www.join.me/resources
  • Facebook Rooms - https://about.fb.com/news/2020/04/introducing-messenger-rooms/
• DO familiarize yourself with your diocesan safe environment policies and guidelines.  You can also read about some of the best practices for two-way video and audio communications in a youth ministry setting here.
• DO prepare your prayer space.
  • Prepare slides with images or Scripture readings for visual aids. If you would like to invite young people to proclaim the readings, assign them to read a certain line. Avoid reading or reciting prayers simultaneously. The lag time (though minimal in most cases) makes for awkward and clunky prayer experiences.
  • Avoid using music during the online meeting. The quality of the sound is usually poor. Try sending a YouTube music video of the song before your online meeting and refer to the song lyrics or chorus during your prayer.

• DO use an icebreaker/community builder in your online gathering.
  • You can go low tech and have young people go on home scavenger hunts or charades.  Alternatively, you can also go high tech and use online or screen games.  
    • High Tech Activities
      • Project YM Screen Games - https://projectymgames.com/
      • Kahoot! - https://kahoot.com/
    • No Tech or Low Tech Activities
      • Home Scavenger Hunt
      • PowerPoint Pictionary
      • Charades
      • Pet Fashion Show
      • 20 Questions
      • Two Truths and a Lie
  • Depending on the video conferencing platform and the size of your group, consider using the breakout rooms to create small groups.
• DO provide some task or activity to happen outside of the online gathering. 
  • Considering sharing a music video for their reflection before your online gathering. Provide a scripture reading or social media challenge for young people to complete your next online meeting.

For more on how to minister to young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the collection of resources at the NFCYM (https://nfcym.org/covid19/) or the Fuller Youth Institute (https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/covid19).

Helpful Online Resources and Articles