Three-quarters of British parents of Under 5s have contact with a church through its toddler group. That is extraordinary. Is there any other ministry in our nation that is reaching three-quarters of a demographic?
The ordinary
Step into a toddler group and you are witnessing the ordinary. I doubt you will see a slick, well-rehearsed gospel presentation, more likely a slightly nervous Bible story time with some clunky props. I doubt you will hear crisp, tuneful accompanied singing, more likely one reluctant mum who wonders which conversation led to her singing, “Sleeping Bunnies” every single week. (with awkward bouncing). Instead, the incredible popularity of British church-run toddler groups is down to clean toys, hot coffee, good cake and a very warm welcome.
Talk to those who became Christians through these groups (and there are many). It is usually desperation that first drew them to the group. It was a place to go with their tiny bundle for relief from finding the next activity on their kitchen floor. Once inside, the care of Christian strangers kept them coming back (and the data says that 86% of those guests who come, do so regularly). Relationships are built, lives are shared, questions are asked, conversations happen and spiritual progress is made. Again, the data says that 55% of the non-Christian parents in these groups say it has helped them explore faith. It’s a brilliant combination: large numbers of non-Christian visitors, coming regularly who are spiritually engaged. These groups can be evangelistic dynamite! Is yours?
The effort
It’s not easy. Usually, there is a small group of Christian mums shifting massive quantities of plastic toys in set up and pack down. It’s not just physically tiring; building relationships is emotionally hard as most guests are not looking for friends – they came for the cake and the toys. I’m told that in more middle-class contexts, relationships spill out into homes while in urban estates, the relationships happen in the group and in the park. But wherever they happen it takes intentional effort for the Christians to walk away from their existing friends to build relationships with strangers. That long-term effort requires leadership, not only from within the group but also from the wider church. Research gently puts it, “The group leaders who felt a lack of church leadership support also reported less impact upon children, parents and team workers.”
The opportunity
Christmas must be the greatest opportunity in the year for these groups. As young parents and carers are starting new traditions with their little children, we can take them on the journey of the first Christmas. So let’s make the most of it, spreading the celebrations over multiple sessions. Faith in Kids has produced plans for three toddler group sessions which fit alongside our ‘Come along, Christmas’ advent calendar. We hope these calendars are cheap enough to give to every guest. And they come with stickers which is toddler catnip!
Toddler groups do not rest entirely on leadership, cake and giveaways. Let me leave the final word to the research, “The evidence suggests that reported impact is higher when groups, team members and churches engage in some level of public and private prayer.” Let’s pray to the Creator, Sustainer and Lord of every toddler and every carer, asking that many would meet him for themselves this Christmas.
‘Come along, Christmas’ resources are available to download for free at www.faithinkids.org/come-along-christmas-resources
Data and research comes from www.jubilee-plus.org/research and The Talking Toddlers report.
Ed Drew is the author of “Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World” and the Director of Faith in Kids (www.faithinkids.org) which exists to see confident parents and thriving churches raising children together to trust Jesus eternally.
