Lent and Unplugging and Children's/Youth Ministry

Last week I got on my soapbox about our over-indulgence in food and how Lent is a great time to really think about our relationship to what we eat and the needs of others.

Often we associate Lent with giving something up, and typically it’s a kind of food. Children can be eager for that food to be broccoli or brussels sprouts. Some see this idea of ‘giving something up’ as a form of penitence, or even punishment, to make up in small part for all the sins Jesus had to cover for us on the cross. I prefer to think of it as making space for something more substantial, more important, more soul-filling and more satisfying, and it can go far beyond food.

The world seems so happy to tell us what we want and need – a new car every year, the bigger, better house or job or toy or vacation or life experience – and if we aren’t careful, we can fall hard for these enticements. Big companies can take pride in gearing products to children from birth on, with something new and “needed” for every age level so that kids are latched on as customers for life.

Teaching Sunday school and youth group can be a huge challenge when kids have to bring their electronic toys, cell phones and other gadgets with them because they are “necessary” items. One of the highest values of this generation is technological literacy. Being “in” means having the latest and fastest gear, as well as being linked to the “cool” social media channels and apps. And some curriculum utilizes their technology – an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach.

But there is a huge toll for those who never have freedom from their devices. I haven’t even mentioned the video game phenomenon yet. Doctors are already noticing not only back problems from extended use of technology but also early onset arthritis in the hands and an increase in near-sightedness because of smaller and smaller screens.

How do we respond to this culture that provides constant stimulation, constant information, and an almost constant anxiety about missing something “important” (whether a new text, post or video)? How do we hold up being unplugged and still enough to connect deeply with God (and ourselves) as even more important to our well-being? What can we do, particularly in this time of Lent and trying to centre on our relationship with God through Christ? Here are some suggestions to get you thinking:

1. Have a conversation about where our value comes from, and don’t just hear the “right” answers and move on. Ask how kids are given value at school, at work, at sports. Talk about the role technology plays in their lives, if they are happy about it and why.

2. Make signs for those opportunities you want to be technology-free and give fair warning to parents and participants. Challenge an artist in your group to design an “unplugged” image and come up with how you will handle those who still sneak in their device with grace but firmness (this can be an actual addiction needing help).

3. Talk with parents and caregivers about the need for quiet and stillness and suggest ways to bring this into the home (i.e. a designated room or area in the house that is quiet and calming, possibly with symbols of faith and a Bible).

4. Consider offering a Spirituality Centre for an afternoon, a whole day or holy week. This space can have as few or as many activities as you can manage that allow people to find rest and soak in some time with God using all of the senses. Some options include writing, colouring mandalas or other faith-inspired pictures, setting out fresh bread and olive oil and honey, burning beeswax candles (and monitoring them), setting up a labyrinth to walk, prayer stations and Bibles and other nourishing faith literature.

5. Talk with children and youth about how hard it is for them to slow down, to be quiet, to not use technology and to listen for God. Discuss why it can be so hard and how they can strengthen their spiritual muscles so it’s easier and they can find God’s peace.

As a team of leaders, consider the balance offered in your programs – loud play and big movement, fine motor activities and creating, screen time (movies, computer use, etc.), centering and prayer time, sharing and listening time, and personal exploration. Too much of any of these disrupts balance and the needs of some will not be met. Consider rituals that can help to ground the group and access the quiet centre that God offers, such as lighting a Christ candle, deep breathing, and learning to be still. Recognize that this is a process and a skill that will take time to learn!

May you find some time to be unplugged this Lent so that you can recharge!