Children are hard-wired for imitation and learn most about life in their early years — for better or worse — by reflecting their (gulp!) daddy.

COVID-19 turned our spring upside down and forced us to create new ways to offer discipleship training to our families. Hopefully, parents have embraced the call to disciple their children at home. As summer arrives and teachers no longer send school work home, parents may have extra time for discipleship. What are some ways you can encourage your parents to continue the practices they may have started this spring?

The coronavirus pandemic has forced us all into new rhythms. Stay-at-home orders for all but the most essential of professionals, caregivers and service providers have dramatically impacted families, businesses and government. Churches are not immune from this impact. Social distancing has led to the need for creative models of discipleship. We as church leaders send curriculum to families with anticipation that many parents will rise to the challenge of discipling their children. We stream Bible stories, offer application activities, write daily devotions and offer encouragement to weary parents.

Due to ongoing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) officials announced Friday, May 29, that no large group gatherings will take place at Fort Caswell this summer. Instead, Caswell is providing camp and retreat options for groups that can maintain social distancing and other precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

As we slowly ease out of quarantine, many of us are excited to head back to our church campuses. While we have been grateful for online worship services, nothing can compare to worshipping together with our brothers and sisters. However, there will still be some restrictions and changes in how we are able to meet again. One of the things church leaders are having to consider is whether or not there will be any type of children’s ministry activities. If we’re all being honest, we know it will be impossible to have any type of social distancing on the preschool hallway.

On Saturday, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, effectively lifting the restrictions on indoor religious services as outlined in N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order No. 138. In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III of the Eastern District of North Carolina noted, “There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution of the United States or the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.” A spokesman for Cooper said in a statement that the governor will not appeal the federal court’s ruling, but encouraged church leaders to take precautions to keep members safe.