Foundation 1

Scriptural basis:
Matthew 18:1-14, John 21:15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17, Psalm 139:13-18

Children are precious to God and need the best we can give them. This involves churches giving and encouraging training, financing, staffing as needed, and profile in the adult congregation to those that lead these ministries, whether they are church, community focused or a missional initiative.

By encouraging excellence in children’s ministry and mission we are affirming the place of children in the faith community, and in our missional initiatives. They can be at risk of being either forgotten or sidelined; by giving focus to children we make them both visible and valued.

Excellence can be subjective so this should be seen as an aspirational goal. The purpose is to give the best we can to our children.

To achieve this goal the Children’s Ministry (CM) will have:

  • A balanced approach to teaching knowledge of God and faith, and behavioural expectations, alongside nurturing the development of
    a personal relationship with God.
  • Opportunities for children to connect intimately, personally and regularly with our Triune God.
  • A set of lenses through which ministry choices are made: what do you believe about children and how does that impact what you do? These potential lenses could be: We believe that children need…
    • To personally connect with God—in order for faith to grow deep roots.
    • To have opportunities to flex their spiritual muscles (through service, applying faith, prayer, worship).
    • To belong to an intergenerational community of faith.
    • To develop a healthy Christian worldview and theological understanding in the context of God’s Big Story.
    • To have others who nurture their faith development.
  • Missional initiatives that ensure the church is reaching children in the local community with the gospel message e.g. ICONZ.
  • Scripture taught within the meta-narrative of God’s redemptive plan and our response to it (the ‘God’s Big Story’ approach).
  • A positive peer community.
  • An intentional approach to spiritual nurture within each community outreach group and an emphasis on seeing a church and community interface (an integrated strategy).
  • Opportunities for children to serve in mission (both local and global) and respond with compassion.
  • Peak experiences for both ministry and missional purposes—these may be camps, special Saturday programmes, holiday programmes, concerts etc.
  • A robust Safety Management System—see BCFM Safety First manual.
  • A strong volunteer training and nurturing value.

A shepherd was asked how he managed to raise such
a fine looking flock of sheep.

“That’s easy,” he said.
“I just take extra good
care of the lambs!”

MINISTRY

  • Sunday programmes—either church or community based.
  • Weekday programmes—either church or community based.

MISSION

  • Both traditional and non-traditional forms of gathered church; e.g. Messy Church.
  • Child evangelism and community outreach events:
    ICONZ, IFG, mainly music, holiday programmes, Light Parties, International Children’s Day, before/after school care, programmes at local schools, playgroup, Toy Library etc.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

  • Are the ‘tribes’, or groups where people have belonging
    (e.g. mainly music, playgroup, children’s ministry) overlapping so that relationships are developing? This is especially important if you want connections between families to make connections with church families.
  • Inconsistent church attendance and the impact on spiritual nurture; e.g. split families, sport on Sundays.
  • Overlaps between children’s and family ministry; e.g. pastoral care.

SUGGESTED READING

  • Starting Out in Children’s Ministry – Alison Mitchell
  • Children’s Ministry in the Way of Jesus – Ivy Beckwith and David Csinos
  • Changing Lives: The essential guide to ministry with children and families – Mark Griffiths
  • Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality – Mimi Larson, Robert Keeley editors
  • Children Matter – Scottie May et al
  • Resilient: Child Discipleship and the Future of the Church – Valerie Bell
  • Formational Children’s Ministry – Ivy Beckwith
  • Dreaming of More for the Next Generation – Michelle Anthony
  • Children’s Spirituality – Rebecca Nye
  • Shaped by God – Robert Keeley, editor
  • “To Such as These”: The Child in Baptist Thought – Andrew Goodliff

OTHER RESOURCES

  • Safety First manual—available, alongside training, through your regional Children and Families Coach or email [email protected].
  • BCFM has developed a set of Faith Formation charts and posters, designed to illustrate what is needed at each age and stage for the child, family and the church as a whole.
  • Resource Library—books, DVDs, training material and curricula are available for loan.
  • Contact the Regional CFM Team for information on regional coaching, cluster groups and training in your area.
  • Carey Baptist College offers courses in both Children’s Ministry and Family Ministry. You can check the courses and qualifications they offer at: carey.ac.nz.

WEBSITES

“Children are nurtured most effectively in communities where they feel a sense of belonging, where they are able to participate in its life and ministry and where adult members model a vital faith.”

Dr Scottie May

Discipleship NZ Video Resources

Discipleship Pathway is a collection of incredible ministry trainers who have recorded and packaged their skills and wisdom into digital classes. No matter where you are in New Zealand, or what your skills, experience, or church resources look like, you and your team can access high-quality training. You can learn from home, or gather a ministry team to unpack and discuss topics together. With courses on Christian leadership, youth work, effective mission, personal wellbeing, and more, there's something for everyone!

Intergenerational Community

Growing up in an intergenerational faith community is the best way for us to form faith, as we journey alongside other ages and generations in discovering who Jesus is.

Visit Series