By Jessyka Dooley

If you fall within the 64 percent of Americans who own an Apple product, you have most likely been prompted on your phone or computer to update the software. Usually, you are given the option to “Install Now” or “Later.” If you’re anything like me, you probably click the “Later” button more times than you would like to admit. A good majority of the work I do is on my phone or computer and I consider it a huge inconvenience to wait a few minutes for an update and the restarting of my device. Eventually, Apple caught on to my tricks and when I clicked “Later” it started updating anyway.

From the naked eye of an everyday Apple user, I don’t always see the need for these software updates. Although I know a handful of them will just slow my phone or computer down, pushing me to get the shiny new version, I also know that these updates are fixing bugs and creating a better user experience for me. Regardless of their purpose, updates are just a part of owning an iPhone or Mac.

Much like technology, as churches and individuals, we face the question of “Install Now” or “Later” with all of life’s various updates. The world is constantly updating how it eats, shops, drives, communicates, and runs. Some updates are small, almost unnoticeable, and others can be felt on a grand scale. Like it or not, you have faced, are facing, and will face updates. Offices are constantly updating; more files are in folders on computers than stored in physical file cabinets. Our homes are constantly being updated; appliances are being replaced and electric mixers have replaced wooden spoons. Our fashion is constantly being updated; every decade looks back at the previous one with laughter. Our churches are constantly being updated—or are they?

Have we truly been updating, or have we just been put- ting it off for later . . . later . . . later . . . until we are forced to be reactive and update because there is no other choice? Change is scary. Change is inconvenient. Change is powerful. Avoiding change does not make it stop; it only stops you.

When I look at the changes that have been taking place in the world around us, I find myself looking forward with both excitement and fear—excitement for all the possibilities that are now available, streamlined because of these constant “updates,” and fearful because of the “updates” that are seemingly imposing on our safety. As we become less comfortable sending our kids into places of education, walking into buildings where we worship, and even attending a con- cert, we must ask ourselves the question: Are we updating?

Our churches cannot hit the “Remind Me Later” button when it comes to safety in our kids divisions. Yes, your church may feel like home, and yes, many members feel like family. Unfortunately, places that feel safe are also the most vulnerable. So how do we make these spaces feel safe and be safe simultaneously? We must update.

A few things to think about as you look at your kids divisions in your church:

  1. Is your space safe? Are the doors and windows secure? Could someone just waltz right into any of your kids rooms? Is there anything in your space that could cause harm?
  2. Is your process safe? Are your kids being checked in and out by an adult? Could just anyone pick them up? Can they leave by themselves to go to the bathroom or get a drink of water? Do you have a “hall monitor?” There are great programs that help check kids in and out safely and efficiently (See: https://planning.center/check-ins/ and https://www.kidcheck.com ).
  3. Are your people safe? Have all of your volunteers gone through Verified Volunteers and been background checked? Do all of your volunteers create a healthy safe place for every kid to learn more about Jesus?

Among these three, there are many more practical and easy ways to update the safety of your kids ministry. We can no longer avoid the desperate need to create not only a safe physical space, but a safe spiritual space for our kids to learn and grow in the love of Jesus! When Jesus called the little children to Him, He was calling them to a safe place. When we invite kids to our churches, are we calling them to that same safety?

Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead; update now!

Jessyka Dooley is RMC assistant youth ministries director. Email her at: [email protected]