Post-it note top tips

We asked people who went to the 'Best practice, fresh expressions and top tips...' sessions to discuss ideas and then write down top tips and ideas that they are already doing in their church or they think might work well and they would like to try. You can read all the tips but here are the top five tips for each stream:

Working with 5-11s (faith forming)

Build relationships – know about the children’s problems and issues – allow for social time.
Illustrate stories – pictures – crafts – props – dramas – have children acting.
Use puppets to introduce stories – ideas – application – songs.
Fun activities – science – crafts – quizzes – action songs.
Pray: use news time to discover prayer needs – draw feelings and needs – build a prayer wall – leaders pray for children.

Working with tweenagers (9-13s)

Get tweenagers involved – ask them what they want to do – give them responsibility – play to their strengths – give them a reason to be proud.
Build relationships – allocate time to talk either in group time or in special events/outings.
Be flexible –change the programme to suit the needs of the moment – don’t be afraid of failure.
Food - start with food – involve food – cook – eat food!!
Pray: together as a team – the church for you – with the kids – the kids for each other.

Working with under 5s and their carers

Use Christmas as an opportunity – Treats & Traditions evening for parents – Christmas lunch for children and carers – Christmas service with puppets.
Keep it simple – Bible stories, songs (repetitive, simple actions), simple crafts.
Have fun - be prepared to jump around and play with the children
Invite ‘church man’ to help other male visitors feel comfortable and build relationships with them.
Never try and do anything in your own strength. Invite God and watch what he can do!!

Family friendly church

Food – family dinners – church lunches – family nights (films, games & food) – develops relationships & community.
Family friendly services – involve all ages offering music, reading, drama, activities – follow with food!
Messy Church – Sunday at 4pm or midweek – involves food!
Courses on parenting, First Aid, nutrition for kids – bridge with parents from toddler groups.
Work within your capacity – small churches / rural areas may only manage 4 or 5 events each year.

Reaching the community

Engaging with the community, eg Street Pastors – drop-in advice centre – take tea to ‘football parents’ on touch line – let community groups use facilities – open mic nights for local bands.
Family activities in church, eg BBQs – film nights – games & activities – mums & daughters – fathers & sons.
Children and youth activities, eg Children’s clubs – Youth clubs – Bus ministry – football leagues – Holiday & seasonal clubs.
Breakfast and after-school clubs – food – homework help – sport – English teaching – crafts & activities.
Schools work, eg assemblies – school Governors – reading support – PTAs.

This is what they wrote: