Welcome Audit for Children, Youth & Families

Wherever you are on your journey with children, youth and families ministry, this self-audit tool can help you to think through the welcome you offer and highlight the steps you can take next.

Let the little children come to me

Jesus in Matt 19:14

In Matthew 19 we read that children were being brought to Jesus but the disciples tried to prevent them coming. Jesus’ response was to rebuke the disciples: “do not stop them”, and to make it clear that they had a place with him.

He tells them that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Not that it will belong to them in future, but that it does belong to them. And that “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” This suggesting that there is much to learn from them, in their honesty, openness and willing faith.

The ultimate aim for our children and young people is for them to encounter Jesus, to come to a living faith and relationship with him and to take their full place within the life of the church.

We believe that children and young people can follow Jesus and be full members of the church, and that discipleship is possible at any age. They are integral to our churches, but we need to make sure there are no obstacles preventing them from getting involved.

How do we welcome and nurture children and young people authentically?

Welcome is an active process, not just a tolerance or even an acceptance of someone, but an embracing and an acknowledgement of all that they bring. As the people of God, we are called to be family. In families, each member serves a specific function to keep the family joined together, each member is needed – and that includes the children and the youth.