Check out the top eight technology trends we’ve seen developing in Children’s Ministry this year, plus ideas for how you can implement them in your own church!
Kid Min Tech Trends 2021
1. APPS FOR INTERACTIVE BIBLE STORIES
Kids are used to engaging with online resources for learning in school and life in general, so allow them to connect with faith in the same way. Apps like The Bible App for Kids by Life.Church offer interactive Bible stories and games for both audio and visual learners. A great option for Sunday School on a tablet for group lessons, or at home!
2. MEDIA TRAINING FOR PARENTS
Parents are leaning on the church for resources on spiritual growth for “media-engaged” kids and craving resources on how to keep their kids safe online, enforce appropriate boundaries, and prevent cyberbullying. Provide parent training in online & social media safety.
3. PRE-REGISTRATION FOR NEW FAMILIES
On your website, allow parents to fill out kid’s info online instead of having to do it when they arrive. They’ll already be in your ChMS, you can pre-print name tags to save time, and give volunteers a heads-up when there will be first-time guests in their classes.
4. GROUPME
Direct communication has gotten so much easier. To communicate with parents, volunteers, and staff, use a universal texting app like GroupMe (available on all smart phones) to communicate easily and efficiently.
5. ON-DEMAND VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Recording training videos or subscribing to online curriculum streamlines the volunteer onboarding process, saves staff time, and allows volunteers to train at their convenience.
6. MOBILE & CONTACTLESS CHECK-IN
Using a tablet and a wireless wearable printer gives you versatile check-in options — move it wherever you need it! Some ChMS platforms even let families check themselves in before entering the building from their own smartphone, providing a convenient and contactless check-in experience.
7. PINTEREST
When prepping for Sunday School lessons and activities, look it up on Pinterest! While this platform is not new, Pinterest has still got it! There are tons of pictures of finished crafts, how-to’s, and activity ideas.
8. NEWSLETTERS
Sending a weekly newsletter to parent’s email inboxes with the week’s lesson and other important announcements (instead of a paper printout) makes sure important info actually makes it all the way home, AND it cuts down on paper. Win, Win!