This has been something I’ve been thinking about lately. At Gateway we’re developing our “Online” strategy. Although people will be able to get weekend messages, I don’t think the team is heading in the direction of making the online experience a “virtual” church service with worship, message and special message from the web pastor. I think it’s going to be a unique experience. Pretty cool stuff.

At Gateway, our long term plan is that thousands, even tens of thousands, would be connected through our online experience. These would all be people who might not set foot in one of our campuses. This causes me to ask the question, “what about the kids?”

If you haven’t yet, watch the video below.

So, I think the video brings up a lot of really good points. Can kids who never/rarely set foot in a physical church still grow in their faith? Yeah! It’s certainly possible. In fact, it could even be better (Big emphasis on the word could).

What is it we Children’s Pastors want more than anything (other than a raise)? We want parents to actively engage in the lives of their children. I don’t think that kids just sitting in the room overhearing the online service is how it’s done. However, I do thing there is a real opportunity here. If parents want to be a part of an online service, then they’re actively engaging on the website. When they click on “kids,” then they can possibly be equipped to engage. Perhaps there is a video that plays intended for kids and parents to watch together that engages them in an activity or elicits response from both. Perhaps there is a pdf to print out that goes on the dinner table for questions around the table… or one that goes in the car for questions while driving.

So, I think that there is a great opportunity through this whole online venture that takes advantage of the most significant influence in the lives of the kids, their moms and dads.