It ain’t what you do…
… it’s the way that you do it!
Mary Hawes
National Children’s Adviser
Church of England
February 2011
Are you sitting comfortably?
Listen to the children
What makes a good church for you?
Somewhere that makes you feel welcome
Somewhere that increases your faith in
Jesus
Where you make good friends that all
believe in Jesus
Girl, 14
What makes a good church for you?

I think the people have to be nice and you
have to be able to understand what the
priest is saying.
What makes a good church for you?
clean church
 friendly people
 plays

What makes a good church for you?
A place where there are children and fun
things but where Jesus and God are the
main objectives. Therefore there should
be family services and communion
services.
Girl, 12
What makes a good church for you?

I think a good church is when all the
church acts like 1 big family. One that
includes everyone. One that is a
community not a place.
What would you like to change
about church?

I think it could be made more interactive.
And I think there could be different songs.
Maybe once a month the children could
choose the hymns.
What would you like to change
about church?

The Breakthrough could start earlier. Also
better interaction.
What would you like to change
about church?
outside activities
 children songs
 NEW Bibles

What difference (if any) does church
make to your life?

Make friends, more thoughtful towards
other people
What difference (if any) does church
make to your life?

I’m not sure but it makes you a better
person.
What difference (if any) does church
make to your life?
Helps me to be a better person
 Learn about Jesus and God
 I feel more a part of a community
 Makes me like myself and feel part of
God’s family

What would you like to change
about church?
Non-strange it
Non-little it
Non weird it
Boy, 11
What would you want to ask?
Key themes
Relationship
 Environment
 Attitude
 Participation

Relationship

Many and varied






Between children
Between the team
Reciprocal
Home
Church
Intergenerational
Environment

Physical

Spiritual
Attitude
Attitude
Congregation
 The team
 Duty or joy?

Participation

What does that mean?




Challenging decision making
Challenging attitudes
Challenging culture
Belonging



In the church
In the community
My place in the story
Participation
Asking AND listening
 Giving responsibility
 In all things – not just special occasions

Going for Growth

Growth…




In spirituality
In understanding
In quality of care and
nurture
In children and young
people themselves
Going for Growth: theology
Made in God’s image
Genesis 1:26,27
2 Corinthians 3:18
Ezekiel 36:26-28
Acts 2:46,47
Genesis1:26
Created to be
in relationship
Genesis 1:26-31
Micah 6:8
Romans 12:2
Called to be
active citizens
Going for Growth: principles
Precious and valued
Importance and
quality of relationship
Reflecting the
values of the Kingdom
Going for Growth: action
Enabling encounters
Embracing
transformation
and change
Providing support
and development
Going for Growth website
http://www.going4growth.org.uk
We sow in order to reap
What are you sowing?
How are you caring for the ground?
What will the harvest be?
Have the mind of Christ….
What do you need to work on?
 Who do you need to work with?
 What will be your first step?

It ain’t what you do…
… it’s the
way that you
do it!