Children’s Ministries
State of Children’s Ministry
In phase 1 of the Love of Children program, we sought to gain valuable information by partnering with CARRD and Magnetize to help assess the state of children’s ministry within the United Church of Christ. In 2023 we ran three surveys and hosted several small group or individual sessions with key stakeholders including: conference staff, children’s ministry leaders, parents, national staff and the current General Minister & President. While we will continue to engage these audiences throughout the grant cycle, we have compiled the results as well.
Through this research, we were given a glimpse into the needs and gifts of Children’s Ministry in our congregations and settings. In addition to the insights we gleaned, it was also clear that there is a great need for us to strengthen our communication, build relationships with congregations, and continue the process of receiving and applying feedback from the full, diverse range of United Church of Christ communities so that all children can be supported and nurtured by the resources we develop. Our evaluation is ongoing, and we want to hear from you about how we can help support your ministry!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Beginning in the Fall of 2025 you can expect a monthly newsletter that will share upcoming events, highlighted resources for children’s ministry leaders, helpful articles and suggestions for caregivers to connect with children and more. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list.
To view the December 2025 Newsletter, click here!
Christmas Blessing
Since becoming a parent, my favorite Christmas song has become Mary Did You Know
(Pentatonix version!). Over the course of the song the question is posed to Mary
inquiring if she knew all that her baby son would go on to do in his life. I’m certain she
had no idea that he would walk on water, save others, deliver the world, give sight and
so much more.
Each of us in our ministry with young people are asked the same question, did we know.
We encounter children that may be bullied at school or forgotten at home; we work with
children who are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum or are undiagnosed with
ADHD; we sit with children who are the starting quarterback on the football team and
mathematical geniuses—the possibilities are endless. We see them for a few hours a
week and we have no idea who or what they will become but we know it will be
something great.
This Christmas season as we gather for candlelight services and sing the songs that
have anchored are faith to the one born in the stable, that great things come when
children are loved and nurtured. When we give them space to wander and question they
grow up to be faithful disciples and can speak to present day pharaohs and kings with
power.
Remember, for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on
his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
This Christmas my prayer is that every child you encounter would remind you of the
face of God and cause to remember how great our God truly is.
Christmas blessings friends,
Rev. Trayce L. Potter
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