YPSILANTI, Mich. (BP) — COVID-19 knocked churches like Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist for a loop back in 2020. Meeting in person was crucial for a congregation of just over 100, and Michigan’s especially-strict response brought an immediate impact.

By that October, the state’s Supreme Court had struck down Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency COVID restrictions. It marked the beginning of a long road back for smaller churches like Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist, but results are showing. 

“We tried several things to get our kids and youth programs going,” said Pastor Joe Kennedy, who will celebrate 17 years with the church next month. Those steps included kids worship on Sunday mornings and youth-oriented services on Sunday nights.

Things began to get traction with moving youth-led services to once a month.

“It gave the kids a chance to lead in singing, performing special songs and taking up the offering,” Kennedy said. “They gave me a script of what they were going to do.”

Youth-led worship services are hardly a new concept, but making them a regular part of the church at a better-attended time also gave Kennedy the chance to grow as a mentor.

Retirement in January 2017 as associate director of housing facilities with the University of Michigan brought more time for the church, though he was still technically part-time. Now 63 years old, he wanted to find more youthful voices for the pulpit on youth-led Sundays.

“A couple of fellows in their 40s came our way, and I could see God’s blessing was on them,” Kennedy said. “It gave them a chance to get their feet wet. These men are faithful to spend time in God’s Word. I send them messages during the week and stay in touch when their Sunday to preach is approaching.

“People look forward to our youth Sundays. Our views online are higher, and God has added to our church where we’re almost back to 90 in attendance. Last week two precious souls who had been attending were saved.”

The church’s annual fishing derby for local kids has also become a huge hit. Equipment and bait are provided as well as chaperones for safety’s sake during casting. Cash prizes are given out for the prettiest as well as the biggest fish (so far, that’s a 3-pound bass).

“The key was finding a safe place to do it,” Kennedy said. “There is a park here with a man-made lake stocked with panfish. The water is only a foot deep at the shore.

“It has led to some absolutely memorable moments. We also have lunch there, and our women and men have been tremendous in helping the kids, showing them how to bait and untangle lines, and stuff like that.”

Volunteers typically hesitant about church but not the outdoors have become hooked on the annual derby held in May. 

“I’ve seen people brought completely out of their shell,” Kennedy said.

It’s difficult to overlook the “fishers of men” metaphor with Matthew 4:19 with both the youth Sundays and fishing derby. But Kennedy is direct in where to give credit.

“All the honor and credit and glory goes to God,” he said. “He’s been so amazingly good to us.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)