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Be encouraged and inspired
- Members of the First Kids Dance Group from Papakura
by Mary Petersen
CALLING ALL WHO MINISTER WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ... to a Conference to inspire, motivate and encourage you in creative ministry, 10 - 11 October 2003: INSPIRATION, IDEAS AND INTERACTION.
This is for anyone in Presbyterian and Co-operative Ventures who works with children and families, in an "employed" position or as a volunteer - meet people who care about and identify with your ministry, share great ideas, learn about different kinds of mission and ministry with children and families, make new contacts, find out about resources, be inspired and encouraged.
Knox Church, Lower Hutt, is the venue and that wonderful congregation will provide accommodation and food for all participants.
Everyone will receive a folder of resources, information and guidelines. There will be inspirational and educational sessions for all as well as a variety of workshops.
Whether you are the only person who works with children on behalf of your congregation, or you are part of a team, or you are responsible for many other leaders who share in ministry with children, this conference Is for YOU. Please plan now to come... and encourage others to come with you.
I hope all churches will see this as an essential opportunity for their most vital workforce and plan to pay travel costs and the minimal registration fee. Those in ministry with children need encouragement and inspiration. Please help them to participate in this national opportunity.
Encouragement and inspiration is also something I offer every congregation ... to work safely with children. In the previous edition of sPanz I mentioned a safety and protection policy : every church should have such a policy to protect children in their care. During the next few months I will offer Safety and Protection workshops throughout New Zealand ... and I hope every congregation will send representatives to these events. Watch for advertising in your area.
So far this article has been about encouraging and inspiring leaders but what about encouraging and inspiring leadership abilities in children?
From First Church Papakura, Warrick Baty has developed such a ministry with children in church and community.
Children's Pastor since 1995, Warrick is a very gifted and dynamic children's leader who says "impacting kids gives me the biggest buzz". Over the years Warrick has reached thousands of kids. At the request of a local state primary school Warrick spends 10 hours a week being the student support worker - teaching self-esteem and anger management, training mediators for "cool schools" and providing Christian counselling. At school Warrick encourages children's leadership abilities but he also does that in special ways in the church community too.
Dance groups, drama groups, holiday programmes all encourage children's leadership abilities. For many years Warrick has helped teenagers be assistant leaders in his school holiday programmes. Warrick and his 'one day a week intern' Mel are now training a team of children to lead a holiday programme in another town in January 2004. Mel, one of the children Warrick "impacted", is living proof of his key approaches to ministry: transitioning kids and establishing a pattern of predictability - so they know there is a place for them in the church.
How does your church help children know they have a place and a ministry role?
How Do You ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE CHILDREN To Be Leaders?
Mary Petersen
National Co-ordinator Ministry with Children and Families
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
45 Motuhoa Road