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Introducing Kids Friendly

Kids Friendly is an initiative of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa that recognises the vital contribution children and families make to healthy congregations. It aims to assist and resource churches to intentionally minister to children and families or their communities.

Kids Friendly was developed in response to AC Nielsen research “Attracting New Zealanders to Spiritual Life ” (commissioned by the Presbyterian Church in 2002). A two year (2003-2005) pilot project involving Auckland and South Auckland Presbyteries was funded by Council for World Mission. The successful strategies and resources developed during the trial project are now being offered to Presbyterian Churches across New Zealand .

While Kids Friendly is fully endorsed by and exclusive to PCANZ, the project receives no funding from the Presbyterian Assembly budget. We are grateful to our core funders Presbyterian Savings and Development Society (PSDS) and Presbyterian Foundation and contributors, Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington Presbyteries for donating funds to establish Kids Friendly as a national ministry resource since 2006. All donations are gratefully received.

Our Kids Friendly Coach

Jill Kayser is our Kids Friendly Coach.

Jill has extensive experience in children and families’ ministry. She has held the positions of Child and Family Worker (eight years) and Executive Officer (three years) at St Heliers Presbyterian Church & Community Centre.

Jill has a degree in Psychology and English and a certificate in Professional Coaching and Mentoring.

She has three children. She is an elder of St Heliers Presbyterian Church and is passionate about reaching out to, celebrating and including children into a community of faith.

Becoming Kids Friendly

There are two ways churches can access Kids Friendly

1.          Join the Kids Friendly network and receive:

  • Kids Friendly news (Hands On newsletter and email news), ideas and resources
  • Invitations to Kids Friendly events
  • Advice on Kids Friendly ideas, resources, issues and requirements eg safety protocol and policy, including children in worship, community outreach etc.
  • Kids Friendly resource manual including the Kids Friendly ideals and self review. Safety in Children’s Ministry, Employing a Children’s Ministry Worker, Branding Your Church Kids Friendly, a Kids Friendly Sunday, a Kids Friendly Advent, Planning Calender and more...

2.          Join the Kids Friendly network (as above) and sign a contract to work with a Kids Friendly coach to become a Kids Friendly Church:

  • An invitation to the Kids Friendly Coach to share the Kids Friendly vision with the parish council/session/congregation.
  • A commitment by the minister, children’s ministry worker and session/parish council to form a “Kids Friendly Dream Team” to work through the self-review document and set Kids Friendly goals (this is a bi-annual requirement).
  • An assessment of your Kids Friendly review documentation by the Kids Friendly Coach.
  • A willingness to brand your church Kids Friendly through the use of signage and logos once you have been assessed “Kids Friendly” by the Kids Friendly consultant.
  • A willingness to share your resources and ideas with other churches.
  • Download "Contracting to become a Kids Friendly application form" for joining the network (pdf format)

A Kids Friendly church is a place where...

  • Children are welcomed, celebrated and nurtured.
  • Children belong and participate in the life and worship of the faith community.
  • Children can explore, learn and experience the love of Christ.
  • Children are valued for the immense love and life they bring to the whole church family.
  • Children create opportunity for people of all ages to learn from, respect and appreciate one another.

Kids Friendly churches have...

  • A Heart for Children
  • Vision
  • Mission Culture
  • Creative Programming
  • Valued Children
  • Valued Children’s Ministry Staff
  • A Safe and Healthy Environment
  • Effective Administration
  • A Commitment to Self Review
  • A Kids Friendly Minister

Contact us:

Jill Kayser
Kids Friendly coach
Telephone: 09-5850959 / 5759836
Mobile : 027-2103784
Fax: 09-5754827
kidsfriendlyjill(at)sthelierschurch.org.nz
100 St Heliers Bay Road, Auckland 1071

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