Children

Passing on the wisdom of the faith to children is an important biblical tradition that is just as important today. Don't forget to give the people involved in the ministry of teaching special attention and encouragement!

Blessing Rituals [RTF: 2 pp/77 KB]

Consider using blessings and rituals regularly to help children move through the times of transition and grief that occur in daily life.

Children and Self-Esteem [RTF: 2 pp/96 KB]

This background on how children develop self-esteem, plus self-esteem–building activities, is written for parents but can be adapted by children's leaders.

Children's Ministry: Small Is the New Big [RTF: 2 pp/45 KB]

Some ideas for keeping faith big in a small church, and developing ministries with children even when their numbers are small.

Children's Ministry Vision

The United Church of Canada's vision for children's ministry is a church where the spirituality of everyone is affirmed and celebrated.

Children's Symposium Learning Community [RTF: 1 p/15 KB]

A learning community has been formed with children's leaders from across the country.

From the Children of The United Church of Canada [RTF: 1 p/24 KB]

An acrostic poem by the children of the Rainbow Connection at Port Nelson United Church, Bulington, Ontario.

Joint Statement on Physical Punishment [RTF: 2 pp/90 KB]

In 2006, the United Church decided to endorse the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth.

Policy and Procedures Review [RTF: 2 pp/82 KB]

Summer is a good time to review your nursery/childcare and Sunday school policies and procedures.

Reading the Bible with Children [RTF: 3 pp/97 KB]

We read the Bible with children to pass on the stories of our faith tradition. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Teacher Training Session [RTF: 4 pp/126 KB]

Various components could be included in a Sunday school teacher/children's leader training session.

Using Social Media

Social networking is more than a communications tool. It is a way for people, particularly young people, to hang out together, an extension of their social lives and places of self-expression. The possibilities social media presents to enhance communication, share faith, and deepen relationships needs to be recognized by the church and its leaders, not only for work with children but also with all groups in the church.

While social media may be a new and emerging tool for church leaders, it is important to recognize the boundaries and ministry practices that will continue to ensure a safe environment for all. These guidelines [PDF: 2 pp/85 KB] may assist in defining how a ministry and its leadership uses this growing community.