Conference 2004 - A Sense of Excellence - Moving on in Ministry

‘Kingdom work’ was the term used by Jackie Cray to inspire and encourage workers in their ministry through Parent Toddler groups at our first Conference in Tunbridge Wells in March. Jackie is currently President of the Scripture Union Council (England & Wales).

As churches seek new ways to reach families, she urged them to see these groups in a new light – to recognise the opportunities to welcome and support families at this early stage and to look at ways to reach and keep families. Using Jesus as the model, she demonstrated the importance of welcoming little children.

The Conference at St Johns, was the vision of two Parent Toddler Group leaders. Claire Wells, from St Lawrence, Bidborough and Gaynor Pritchard from St Johns Tunbridge Wells. Two years ago, they set up ‘Parent Toddler Groups Together’– a network of representatives from different churches across the town – praying for and encouraging each other at lunchtime meetings every other month.

They emphasise:

‘As we function as Parent Toddler Groups’, we wish to do so with a sense of excellence in this ministry, while holding on to our primary motivation – that the best thing we can offer our families is the message that Jesus loves them. Some groups have simple Christian messages to their songs and stories, others have a Toddler service at the end of term. What we all share is the love and care we offer and the attention to a sense of excellence in the way we run our groups, welcoming and supporting families and showing God’s love ’

Drawing on experience from her former role as National Advisor to CPAS on Families and Under 5’s, Jackie explained to delegates that Parent Toddler groups should be seen as having a strategic role in Church ministry and mission structures – rooted in the whole approach to welcoming and encouraging a generation of parents who may have missed out on church experience in their own childhood or put faith to one side in adolescence. ‘Ignore them and miss the opportunities.’

Rev. Stephen Hills from St Lawrence, Bidborough gave a refreshing insight – a ‘Vicar’s View’ on the potential for groups linking community and church. Parent Toddler groups off a way to show God’s love, and to work for His kingdom as we offer a safe stepping stone to what the church has to offer – showing God’s love and helping to grow His Church. After initial apprehension about entering the world of play dough, ‘googly stick on eyes’ and glue, he is now a regular visitor, encouraging the team and meeting and keeping in touch with families in an informal setting.

‘Opportunities for men’ was the subject of Richard Watts’ presentation as he spoke on the new initiative for Dads at St Johns’ ‘Just Daddy and Me’ initiative. Saturday morning sessions for Dads and their babies and toddlers feature bacon butties and fresh coffee. ‘There are further ways to meet and welcome Dads as they look at issues for men – commuting, home/work balance, redundancy and parenting and family matters. It's just the start’ he added.

Afternoon seminars covered ‘Supporting Families’, ‘Moving on in ministry’, crafts, storytelling and puppets with an exhibition and bookstalls.

The Network continues to meet and is looking forward to developing and working with the Diocese and other church and community agencies.