Engaging students digitally can be a little intimidating especially considering they grew up with tech and probably could tech us a thing or two. As a youth leader or influencer reaching students is crucial for fostering connection and growth.

Here are 20 ideas to get you started:

1. Virtual Bible Study Series: Host regular online Bible study sessions where students can discuss various passages and their relevance to their lives. This is a great idea, considering teens don’t always have a ride or aren’t of driving age yet.

2. Interactive Devotionals: Create interactive digital devotionals that include multimedia elements like videos, quizzes, and reflection prompts. I’ve been on youth teams where we tap into this, and we saw student engagement and attendance at youth gatherings increase. They are looking for tangible ways to digest complex information more easily.

3. Livestream Youth Worship Nights: Organize worship sessions and stream live music, prayer, and opportunities. This way, students who were not able to attend can still participate and share their thoughts and experiences in the comments.

4. Digital Prayer: Post a comment box on Insta stories where students can post prayer requests and pray for one another in real time. I’d even take it a step further and set up an option for students to book time with someone to pray together one-on-one.

5. Faith-Based Podcast: Start a podcast discussing topics relevant to what youth are dealing with in today’s world, featuring interviews, discussions, and Q&A segments. Invite students to be guests on the show.

6. Social Media Challenges: Launch faith-based challenges or bible trivia on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, encouraging students to share their experiences and reflections.

7. Online Leadership Workshops: Offer virtual workshops on leadership development, equipping students with skills to lead within their communities. They are hungry to participate in being The Church now, not tomorrow.

8. Virtual Retreats: Much like the Virtual Bible Studies, host online retreats that last a day or two with a mix of group discussions and guest speakers focused on deepening connections and growing in a certain topic like Fruits of the Spirit.

9. Scripture Memorization Challenges: Initiate challenges for students to memorize and share verses each week, with rewards for participation.

10. Online Bible Trivia Nights: Arrange virtual trivia nights with questions based on biblical stories, characters, and teachings.

11. Community Service Projects: Organize virtual community service projects such as online fundraisers, letter-writing campaigns to seniors, or digital advocacy campaigns.

12. Faith-Based Gaming Nights: Host gaming nights where students can play video games together while discussing faith-related topics and values.

13. Digital Art Contests: Hold art contests encouraging students to create and share digital artwork inspired by their faith and beliefs.

14. Virtual Mission Trips: Coordinate virtual mission experiences where students can engage with and support communities in need through online platforms.

15. Online Book Clubs: Start a digital book club focused on reading and discussing faith-based literature relevant to youth.

16. Creative Worship Workshops: Conduct virtual workshops on creative forms of worship, such as dance, poetry, or visual arts.

17. Digital Scavenger Hunts: Organize virtual scavenger hunts with clues related to biblical themes and stories.

18. Faith-Based Movie Nights: Arrange online movie nights featuring films with spiritual themes, followed by group discussions.

19. Digital Mentorship Programs: Pair students and parents with vetted mentors for virtual one-on-one or group mentoring sessions. Because of the nature of this situation, I suggest that this mentor has had extensive experience in mentoring and they would need a background check. It would be encouraged that the parent is heavily involved and informed.

20. Online Prayer Meetings: Schedule regular prayer meetings via video conferencing platforms, providing a space for students to pray together and support one another.

These ideas can help keep students engaged, connected, and spiritually nourished in a digital environment.