Think Outside the Flannelgraph

I recently surveyed 14 preteens involved in my preteen ministry on the media they have access too. Some of the results were that more than half used instant messaging to communicate with others, fewer had their own email address. All but one had internet access in the home. A majority had CD players and televisions in their rooms while a smaller number had VCRs or DVD players. Some had computers and most had some kind of game system in their room.

This really got me thinking about all the ways preteens gather information, and the ways they process that information. Whether it's checking baseball scores each morning online or listening to music from CDs or the radio, preteens are bombarded with information.

I guess my thoughts are slowly focusing on the one thought, "How do we communicate God's Word in a way that fits the way they process information, using the means they are being trained to gather information, which they have in their own rooms?"

It makes me take a longer look at video games like GraceWorks' The Interactive Parables, and other quality made Christian videos, music, and websites. Not necessarily for the times when they are at church (though we need to be using media in our teaching) but as resources for families to use in the home. If parents are the primary spiritual leaders in a child's life (at least that's what God said) then the more resources we have for them and their families the better.

So, how about a children's ministry Podcast? Why not video your children's church message and get it on your website for kids to watch again, or show others? How about online devotionals for families to download that correspond with that week's lesson? I know there are companies like 3rd Day Games which produces Bible based video games that correspond with certain curriculums in which kids play through the stories they learned about on Sunday. Why not let your kids act out Bible stories and create your own DVDs for kids to watch at home and show friends? The possibilities are limitless.

I can think of no better reason to be media-savvy than to be able to find better ways to share with kids the greatest information they'll ever need to know. So, get on your knees and ask God for creative ideas, wisdom and a couple of techno-geek volunteers hiding out in the sound booth.