A latest resource has been launched to support church toddler group leaders in supporting young kid’s faith and preparing them for college. The booklet, titled ‘It’s not only a parent and toddler group’, has been created by Joanna Gordon, CEO of youngsters’s ministry Daniel’s Den, Andy Frost of Share Jesus International, and David King, of the Gather Movement.
Christian Today spoke with Joanna to listen to in regards to the importance of setting a robust foundation for kids and why toddler groups are such a significant a part of church ministry.
What sparked the launch of this resource?
Several years ago, Andy, David and I got here together to create a resource because quite a lot of local authorities were talking about school readiness being a problem with children and the way toddler groups achieve this much to develop school readiness and the boldness of youngsters and families.
The value toddler groups bring to society and to children is so necessary, and we wanted to spotlight that. The resource affirms toddler groups in what they’re already doing while encouraging people to take into consideration what more we will do.
How necessary is it that children have a firm foundation before they begin school?
I believe it’s absolutely vital. From my very own personal experience, I used to be a primary school teacher teaching a reception class. I remember the times when parents would push their children into the classroom and say ‘Mrs Gordon, give my child some manners.’ I remember being really struck on the time considering, it is not my job because the teacher to provide your child manners, it is your job because the parent to put those foundations that we will construct on once they get to high school.
This was certainly one of the catalysts for me starting Daniel’s Den. I wanted to provide parents the boldness and skills to pass on the fundamentals to their children. I believe parents are the kid’s first teacher – and infrequently one of the best teacher. We are all aware of headlines nowadays of colleges having to do potty training and teach a baby learn how to use a knife and fork. Many of those skills were neglected through the pandemic but I believe these basics ought to be taught at home.
Your toddler group known as Daniel’s Den which is taken from the Bible. How necessary is it for folks to show their children about faith?
Daniel was a person of prayer and since he prayed he ended up in a den of lions and prayer got him out. It’s common for families to wish that God will bless them with a baby, and when this child does come it’s like being in a den of lions – it is a scary place! At Daniel’s Den, we pray for the families connected to us and by way of faith formation more generally, toddler groups are only a incredible opportunity to create an area where that may occur.
Creating space with an unconditional welcome is an actual expression of God’s love, and I believe that church-based toddler groups across the nation really create that space for people to know the love of Christ. It is significant for kids to know and experience the love of Christ within the language that they understand. They should see it within the welcome and listen to it within the words. Loads of toddler groups across the nation will do a Bible story and sing Christian songs which again is increase a certain language that could be very useful.
Do you are feeling parent and toddler groups are underestimated in how effective they will be?
Yes, I do think they’re grossly undervalued. I’ve been running a toddler group for 27 years and I also lead a national movement called 1277, which is all about raising the profile of church-based toddler groups, and a phrase that I often hear is ‘it’s only a toddler group’. I believe because toddler groups have been around for thus a few years they’re taken as a right.
I do strongly imagine there ought to be a toddler group inside walking distance of each family within the nation. I do know that some churches may not have the facilities but one other church down the road might need a hall or an area. Through 1277 we organise a national month of prayer in June where we actually encourage toddler groups to be profiled in church services in order that their value will be shared. Oftentimes, listening to the stories of the families that come is an incredible experience.
Can the local church do more to support parent and toddler groups?
Absolutely! Loads of churches have facilities and quite a lot of them rent their spaces out to personal nurseries, however the constructing doesn’t must be perfect for families to come back, and it doesn’t must be huge. If there’s an area for 10 or 12 families that is incredible, but working with other churches can be really good by way of constructing a volunteer team.
Churches ought to be seeking to recruit volunteers from the area people and never just from the congregation because there are people on the market. Toddler groups provide an incredible opportunity for people to come back and help and to make a difference, they usually are very intergenerational. People get an actual sense of belonging and inspiration from volunteering, and who knows where that may lead by way of belief and being connected?
Toddler groups are such an exquisite expression of church – that protected space where individuals are welcome, where you possibly can construct trust and relationships. What churches must offer through the love of Christ is amazing and I believe it is not our job to guage who should come. It doesn’t matter what your background is or what your belief is. To have this protected space for all children, I feel, is significant. I believe sometimes we is usually a bit narrow in how we advertise what we do and I believe creating that wide open door is basically necessary.
Church is normally perceived as only a sermon being delivered before a congregation on a Sunday morning but from what you are saying, inviting toddlers and their families to play and learn with one another is a very important extension of church.
Yes, but I believe it’s so far more than that. Loads of churches have food banks, clothes banks and baby banks. What I really like about Jesus’ example is that he got alongside people, particularly those on the sting of society, and he was there with practical solutions.
I believe there are quite a lot of misconceptions in regards to the church and the church doesn’t do itself any favours sometimes; it may well be perceived as being quite judgemental. Toddler groups are so necessary for the church’s mission outreach because imagine if those 30 families that got here to the toddler group on a Friday morning turned up at church the next Sunday morning. What would the response of the church members be?
We must have an openness about how we will connect with these families beyond the toddler group. There are numerous activities churches can do to advertise cross pollination and there are already some wonderful examples like Messy Church or something so simple as a family barbecue. I even have sat in lots of sermons where the preacher has preached about reaching out to the community yet never mention or acknowledge the work that the toddler groups are doing. It’s very frustrating!
Can you recommend every other resources?
There are some amazing resources for toddler groups around, just like the 1277 Facebook group, Care for the Family’s Playtime project, and Bible Buds. But having said that, certainly one of the best resources are the toddler group leaders themselves. The thing about toddler groups is there is no such thing as a one size suits all. I really like the story of Nehemiah because he really encouraged people to construct where they were and since they knew what they’d to do, they got on and did it. That’s my vision for toddler groups: be who God has called you to be where you might be.
For more resources and a duplicate of the booklet, ‘It’s Not Just A Parent and Toddler Group’, visit the dedicated website here.
