Group Publishing, a leader in curriculum and resources for all aspects of the church, is excited to launch its unprecedented research study, The State of the Church 2009, and more specifically, The State of Family Ministry. As featured in the January issue of Childrens Ministry Magazine, as well as online at http://group.com/church09 <http://t.ymlp18.com/euacaubqanawmyavabjq/click.php> , The State of Family Ministry seeks to bring together the successes and expectations of parents and leaders in children’s ministry.
“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,” explains Christine Yount Jones, Executive Editor for Children’s Ministry Magazine. “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 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 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.
Group Publishing has created a Web site with content on how church workers can navigate all of the information found in the State of the Church 2009 study and use it in their own ministries. The group.com/church09 Web site will include practical guides with continuing information on using the data, as well as podcasts, forums, and discussion groups.
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 six-week eSeries provides practical insights and tips for Children’s, Youth, Women’s and Volunteer ministries.
