Considering Children’s Ministry in the local church...

For use in self-evaluation,discernment, and assessment oflocal church ministries to, withand by children

Questions to Consider
{Please note: by “children” we mean from birth to age 12 (or 6th grade)}

WHO are the children in the church?
(The response to this question goes beyond just names.)

What is the aim (what are the goals) of your children’s ministry
What is currently taking place in your church in children’s ministry?

How are children involved in the worship life of the congregation?

List some ways your church includes children in worship. What new ways can you add? How do these ways affirm and include children? What teaching/learning settings are offered? What is offered besides Sunday School?

What experiences of Christian community are available to/provided for children? Where have you seen the church exclude children?

How are children involved in mission? WHO are the children RELATED to the church? WHO are the children in the COMMUNITY where the church finds itself? What is the church doing in ministry to and with these children? What are your top three priorities related to addressing the needs of children and families in your community? What steps need to be taken to address these priorities?

How is your congregation an advocate for children?

What is your church doing in response to the Bishops’ Initiative on Children and Poverty ...in terms of your local community? ...in terms of children in world?

How does your church help families strengthen the home as a place of faith formation?