COVID-19 and Faith Nurture

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)

The resources included on this page are intended to strengthen and encourage the Church as we enter a season of global health crisis, social distancing, and physical isolation. We will continue to update this post with relevant, trusted resources as we become aware of them. Please feel free to check back here often. 

Invite God to nurture you

• Pause and breathe when you feel anxiety rising. Try a breath prayer. For example, breathe in as you say “The Lord is my shepherd,” and out as you say “I shall not want.” Or “Be still and know/that I am God.” The opening sentence of the Heidelberg Catechism’s Q&A 1 can also work beautifully as a breath prayer. 

• Talk with God—and listen. Pray as You Go offers an app and online prayer tools; 24-7 Prayer offers Lectio 365.

• Let God’s Word speak to you. Check out the e-book version of Seeking God’s Face; try this 40-day New Testament Reading Plan from Biblica, or view with kids The Jesus Storybook Bible videos via Amazon Prime. 

Nurture your household

Whether your home shelters a family, a couple, or a group of roommates, these resources will help you nurture the faith of the people under your roof.

• Practice the Faith 5. Faith Inkubators developed Faith5, a fantastic, simple five-step system for nurturing the people you live with.

• Check out these Story Starters to help your household share stories of God’s faithfulness together.

• For families with kids, check out these helpful resources:

Dwell at Home 5 Ways series of downloadable family faith formation tip sheets

Everyday Family Faith, a pocket-size family faith practices guide

Does Worshiping at Home Feel Awkward? You're Not Alone

How to Help a Grieving Child: a blog post

Faith in an Anxious World parenting podcast from Fuller Youth Institute

Kids Corner offers crafts, interactive Bible studies, and other activities on its website. 

Support for ministry leaders

• If you are a ministry leader at a CRC church, you have access to the ongoing support of our Regional Catalyzers. Find more information and contact info for the catalyzer in your region on our website. 
• DWELL Digital during COVID-19: how CRC churches can send DWELL curriculum to parents for free