Spur Ottawa checks in with local youth pastors a year after restrictions began

Janet Mabie
Special to Spur Ottawa

Most churches rely heavily on virtual services. For youth, whose lives are already saturated in social media and technology, Zoom meetings are more of a struggle. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic and with no hint on how long restrictions will continue, Spur Ottawa checked in with local youth pastors to find out how they are keeping teens engaged and coming out.

“It hasn’t been easy working around the restrictions and policies that are continually changing,” explains Jessica Martin, director of youth and young adults at Chapel Ridge Free Methodist Church. “When the pandemic hit we had no idea we would need to learn how to survive through an online platform for a number of months.”

To keep youth engaged, Martin organized trivia nights, a dance competition, workout sessions, and a bake-off.

“We found that when students were doing something while on call, they were more engaged,” says Martin.

Yet her priority throughout has been teaching the truths of the Bible through devotionals and Bible memory.

“Everyone was so excited to be together again. Some students recommitted their lives to Jesus. Another handful accepted Him for the first time.”

“Even though our world is going through these different times, youth are searching for answers and these answers can be found in the scriptures.”

Following careful protocols, Chapel Ridge was able to open for youth in the summer. Their numbers grew and Martin could see how the youth thrived being part of a community.

“Everyone was so excited to be together again. Some students recommitted their lives to Jesus. Another handful accepted Him for the first time.” The second round of restrictions, however, were very discouraging. “Watching our numbers dwindle was like watching the air deflate from a balloon. It felt as though all our efforts in the summer and fall were for nothing. I was reminded that the real reason I do what I do isn’t about the numbers; it’s about the depth of spiritual growth.”

Mitchell Pitt, the youth pastor at Bethel Pentecostal Church, describes the COVID-19 experience as a unique and trying time for leaders and students alike. Initially, he says, they were in panic. The group struggled with students staying on mute throughout calls and they missed the spiritual intimacy of being physically present.

“Relationships have always been critical to discipleship,”

“When the restrictions relaxed enough for us to open in our main auditorium, we found students were not only excited to see one another, but were desperate to meet with God,” shares Pitt. “Youth night is completely different now. Games are played more carefully. Food can’t be served anymore. This has brought the focus back to God. It’s our job to point them to the cross. If we care more about Jesus each week, the numbers will follow.”

Jen Outhouse of Greenbelt Baptist Church leads Fusion Youth Ministry, a partnership of four congregations: Greenbelt Baptist, Pinegrove, Calvary, and Bilberry Creek.

“Since last spring when COVID hit, our group has grown from about 20 to 25 students online to an average of 40 to 50 with 65 registered,” she says. “It’s been a wild ride and I’m still a bit shocked, but we’ve stayed focused on our mission and values and I think that’s been the key.”

Outhouse affirms that small group ministry is responsible for the success of Fusion, both online and offline. Through small groups, the students learn to apply Bible teaching and have found a true sense of belonging.

“Relationships have always been critical to discipleship,” Outhouse states.

“At no other time in recent history has relational ministry been so difficult.”

The students are divided into small groups by age and gender, becoming part of a “house” (a mixed group where the younger and older students interact). The four houses compete in a year-long points competition. Fusion also helps encourage online attendance through celebrations, Christian music, videos, and by dropping off care packages that contain treats and tickets for a draw for a prize.

“Teenagers are looking to belong. They want to have a place with consistent structure. Here, they are part of Fusion, part of a small group and part of a house team. They have their own people who they trust and grow with and leaders who really care about them. Those things cement many of the students.”

Outhouse is thankful for the strong team she works with and for the four congregations who pray for and support Fusion in so many ways.

“At no other time in recent history has relational ministry been so difficult,” states Pitt. “If you are showing up, week after week, if you are praying for your students and connecting with God, week after week, if you have lost sleep over these past 12 months because you are concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of the students, keep your head up. You are awesome!”