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Last month we told you about some exciting new research coming out on the State of The Church in 2009 from Group Publishing. Group’s mission for the past 30-plus years has been to equip churches to help children, youth, and adults grow in their relationship with Christ. They do that by creating resources that provide solutions for ministry needs. Group is in the business to equip ministry leaders to be even better at what they do and feel joy and fulfillment as they connect people with Jesus.
Now Group Publishing has released their study on The State of Family Ministry. In it they seek to bring together the successes and expectations of parents and leaders in children’s ministry. Christine Yount Jones, Executive Editor for Children’s Ministry Magazine explains.
Family ministry is one of the most urgent emerging trends in the area of children’s ministry today. Yet there are a multitude of opinions and strategies about what makes for effective family ministry. Because of the confusion that often exists for leaders about effective strategies, Children’s Ministry Magazine surveyed parents and leaders to discover expectations and perceptions in this critical area of ministry.
The State of Family Ministry study covers topics such as take-home materials, technology tools to communicate with parents, expectations in the ministry and what defines an effective ministry – as viewed by both parents and ministers. One of the more interesting findings in the research is the positive impact that children’s ministers have on families, yet how too often the ministers feel defeated and unappreciated. Parents were almost six times more favorable toward children’s ministries than the children’s ministers themselves.
Yount Jones continues…
The results reveal a significant divide between the two audiences surveyed. Unfortunately, children’s ministry leaders are under the impression that they are not effective in ministering to families. The good news is, though, that parents give a resounding A+ to their churches’ efforts to equip them to spiritually nurture their children. As children’s ministers continue to strive to partner with parents, they can move from a place of knowing that they’re already more successful than they realize.
Additional information on the study can be found at childrensministry.com, including information and templates for local children’s ministers to take their own survey and celebrate their own successes and find areas that need improvement.
To continue with the research and growth, Group and its family of publications and curricula will be launching a free e-series titled “Hope for 2009.” This 6-week eSeries provides practical insights and tips for Children’s, Youth, Women’s and Volunteer ministries.
