Scripture Union recently published a study on Children’s Ministry in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Below is a summary of their findings. To view the entire report, go to Scripture Union Children’s Ministry web page. It’s well-presented and easy to understand.
This is a summary of the booklet, taken straight from the booklet. If you want one page to show to the wider church, this is it. Put these points in your church newsletter or on your bulletin board. Get the message out there.
• Most churches have 30 children in their programmes (0-12years).
• 53% of churches surveyed had 2 or less leaders in their primary aged (5-110yr) programmes on a Sunday.
• Our children and our leaders are a multicultural bunch!
• 33% of churches include children as active participants for the time they are in the service.
• 51% of churches are creating their own Sunday material.
• 66% of churches run an alternative service, either regularly or occasionally.
• Over 50% of churches are running between 2-4 All Age services a year.
• 61% of All Age programmes give children leadership responsibilities.
• 14.1% of churches who responded to the survey are not involved in community programmes.
• 67% of churches run a preschool community ministry.
• 40% of churches are involved in their local primary school.
• Over 40 000 children have attended one-off events run by the church.
• 34% of churches responded that no children have joined the church as a result of their community programmes.
• 6% of the church is involved in leadership in community children’s ministry.
• Over 50% of churches are creating their own community programme material.
• 11% of churches provide no training for their workers
• 45% of churches have no paid children’s ministry staff.
• 41% of churches have between $100 – 1000 budget for a year.
• 81% of survey respondents feel supported or very supported by their churches!
If you would like to explore some of these findings or find out more about our Kids Friendly Resources and Coaching Services, we would love to hear from you.