We can’t ignore it. It won’t go away. Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay. But how is that ultimately good for our ministries?
Gen Alpha is Digitally Native
We’re all familiar with the fact that 2-year-olds have mastered the ‘scrolling finger,’ and 5-year-olds can unlock their parents’ phones. Technology has been a part of their lives from the start. So, if we’re serving these tiny tech wizards and their families, it’s crucial to leverage specific tech to enhance our preschool ministry.
Technology has revolutionized how ministries connect with families and engage young children; preschool ministry is no exception. I saw this change skyrocket when so much of the world went virtual in 2020. Using tech to reach preschoolers and their families was not as prevalent as it was for the older children and youth in churches. We had to rethink how we used tech and ensure it hit the correct target—the parents.
Even more so today, if we use technology intentionally, we can easily integrate it to enhance communication, creativity, and connection. Technology’s potential in these areas is great, and it’s up to us to explore and utilize it to the fullest.
Engage Parents Midweek
Do you find it challenging to connect with parents on Sundays? What if I told you that you could connect with parents and get to know them effectively through technology? I saw a statistic that 85% of moms are on Facebook, and 53% are on Instagram. That is your demographic. So why not intentionally go where they are? Post often and post meaningfully. Social media can be a great platform to cast vision for your ministry, post about the new theme or lesson from Sunday, encourage parents, or even update them on what’s happening in your church community.
Leverage Canva Brand Kits
Gone are the days of Clip Art. Apps like Canva simplify the creation of high-quality graphics, calendars, postcards, and social media posts, making communication visually appealing and professional. Preschool ministries can use Canva to design event invitations, classroom decorations, and teaching aids. One easy way to ensure your graphics and printables remain close to your ministry or church brand is to set up a brand kit in Canva. You can designate colors and fonts. You can download and add the agreed-upon photos, logos, and graphics approved by your design team to the kit. With a simple app, you can change the game in what you present to parents online and in person.
Improve Safety With Software
A data collecting tool, like Planning Center, that allows you to easily keep track of check-ins and attendance online is a huge win. A secure check-in system ensures child safety and streamlines administrative tasks by building rosters, tracking attendance, and maintaining records of special needs and medical conditions. This level of detail and care, made possible by technology, can reassure parents of their child’s safety and well-being.
Leverage Your Website For A Positive First Impression
First-time guests will use technology before they step into your building. They will look up and scroll through your church’s website. A well-designed kids ministry landing page helps first-time guests know what to expect. The importance of clarity, visuals, and detailed information tailored to parents could be what sets you apart and gives the parents the feeling of trust that will lead them to attend. Ensure your page looks like your town/city and your congregation. Display the faces of the people in your ministry that are consistent and build a staff page with the contact information of the Preschool Director/Pastor should a parent want to reach out.
Use Texting Services
Once a parent enters your physical space and checks in with their child, consider using a texting service to build trust. Sending a text is a personal and easy way to get the attention of parents during or after services. A new parent will breathe easier if they receive a picture of their child with a text assuring the child is having a great time. You can also use texts to alert parents when they are needed. Trust me, this works much better than putting the parent on blast as their number pops up on the main screen, and they do the walk of shame to the kid’s building AGAIN! You can also use text services to alert parents of urgent updates, like weather-related closings or sickness.
Enhance Your Environment
When children and families enter your space, your environment can say a lot about the care you provide. Decorations centered around the month’s theme and visuals that align with the “bottom lines” go a long way in making parents feel connected to what goes on down the hall. Use Pinterest and follow the First Look page to get great ideas.
Leverage Technology to Engage Toddlers
Remember, toddlers are screen-savvy. Consider incorporating a small amount of screen time into their Sunday time. Use the Add-on Media Package provided in the First Look curriculum to enhance your storytime. Videos, worship music, and interactive elements are helping more children engage in the true story of the Bible. Ollie has become a big deal in the preschool world—trust me!
Use Apps to Grow Everyday Faith
As your families leave church on Sunday, use technology to maintain a relationship and to keep Sunday’s lesson at the forefront of their minds. Use an app like Parent Cue to connect parents to milestone truths, activities for their child’s age/stage, and words of encouragement for parents. The Parent Cue app not only offers meaningful ways to grow in everyday faith but also aligns with the curriculum each week. Consider using Spotify or other music-streaming apps to build a playlist with the songs the children will sing on Sundays. These are easy ways to use technology to bridge Sunday and Monday!
Connect the Disconnected
One group of people that technology can help you connect to is those who do not attend on Sundays. Apps, social media, playlists, and even an email sent to all those on a list generated by a check-in service help your families realize they are valuable and missed.
Improve Your Email Communication
Globally, email is still the preferred method of communication. Use email platforms like MailChimp to stay connected with families through regular updates. Are you having a hard time feeling like your emails are not being read? Research shows that adding a personalized subject line will increase your open rate by 20%. Just ensure once an email is opened, it contains valuable information and an action step.
Technology Reflects Your Mission
Like it or not, technology is simply a tool, and its impact depends on how well it aligns with your ministry’s mission and vision. The challenge is to use tech authentically to complement face-to-face interactions and share a consistent message. Everything you write, text, email, share, or post should reflect you and your ministry. There should be a shared mission, a common language, and an intentional process for its use. Consider it an extension of the Sunday ministry. Develop goals for the tech you use, align it to your mission, and evaluate its effectiveness often.
When leveraged well, technology enhances your ministry. Using technology thoughtfully and strategically will lead to a preschool ministry that is dynamic, efficient, and an even more safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children and families.
Written by: Jennifer Edwards (Orange Partner)
