Children's ministry conference

The conference opened by looking at how God deals with families and what he requires of family. Namely, how God's grace overrules the folly of families; God's law directs the instruction of families; God's judgement overtakes the permissiveness of families and God's apostle addresses the responsibilities of families.


We then moved on to looking at developing a children's program that builds family life.

Here the aim of children's ministry is as follows: its to serve in partnership with parents, encouraging them in their God given role and responsibility and working with them to facilitate the Christian growth and nurture of children within the church family.


If it doesn't start early (ie. pre kids), then it won't happen when you do end up having kids!

We also need to think of how we view the child. So, we explored the child as created. The child as sinner, as saved, as immortal and as immature

In terms of practically meeting the needs of families there were some fantastic ideas:

Resourcing families:
- teach parents how they ought to conduct their ministry
- run parenting courses, put books/CDs into ppl's hands
- teach kids their roles and responsibilities
- help them make the most of their planned family times. Do the research, suggest materials
- match the preaching program with the kids program so that you can send home Bible bites and devotions to the family
- suggest creative ways for the kids to get into the Bible
- encourage prayer time - diary, photos
- planned teaching time as part of church activities (eg. teachers, parents AND kids); combined youth group with parents
- send craft or a question home so they'll dialogue over the week

Resourcing church:
- in terms of creche, what toys do we have, what do we do, what are we teaching?
- run all age services - family time learning as a church from the oldest to the youngest
- families reading the Bible and praying publicly together
- make sure there's family teaching time - songs, kids spot, children's talk by the Snr Minister, language from the front is inclusive of kids, structurally/architecturally fit in

Resourcing children:
- something they can take home over the week
- make time to connect Christian and non-Christian parents - eg. presentation, or BBQs
- send home Bibles, books, notes
- connect them with significant ppl who'll nurture them and pray for them.