How we can help
...new ideas, great ideas, advice, training, resources, crafts, work in schools, faith in homes, recharging batteries and more...
- We're looking for new ideas to inspire our Sunday group to work with the Bible. Where can we get help?
Our Barnabas Children's Ministry Team can offer a range of exciting and inspirational ways to open up the Bible with children. We are also available to come and run a training session with your leaders.
- We have no children in our church but would like to start up something special for them locally. How do we get started?
Many churches run midweek and after-school clubs in their local area. Our website has hundreds of tried and tested ideas to get you started. In addition, we are available to lead events for your church, using drama, storytelling and games to explore a Bible theme.
- I am always on the lookout for easy-to-use sessions for my children's group. Where can I find some?
A good idea is only a click away! Use the search facility on our website to find plenty of ideas for sessions with your children's groups. Each idea is set out simply and clearly so that you can use it straightaway.
- When we worship together in church - adults and children - we just never seem to get it right. Where can we get some advice?
We believe that children and adults both need to experience and take part in good all-age worship for the growth of the whole church. We are available to come and lead a training session on the principles and practice of effective, inclusive worship in your church, as well as provide you with ideas to use week by week.
- We have a regular holiday club and occasional special events around the time of the major festivals. Where can we find some resources and help?
We have holiday club books and ideas to resource special events for children and families. We can also help you plan and run these days.
- Help, I'm stuck for new craft ideas for Easter. Where can I find some?
All our books are written by experienced leaders and teachers, and they contain tried and tested material. Have a look at the Art, Craft, Drama & Games page.
- We've heard that the Barnabas Children's Ministry Team works with children in schools. What exactly do you offer?
We have a large team of experienced and trained schools' workers, who will bring a programme of workshops to your school for the day. Using storytelling, drama, dance and/or music, the aim is to explore Christianity creatively, using Bible stories on a range of curriculum-linked themes. The team can work with all children in Key Stages 1 and 2. Full information about our Barnabas RE Days, costs and booking details can be found on our schools website.
- How can our church encourage children and their parents to go on growing in their faith outside of our Sunday and midweek programmes?
This is an issue that many churches are thinking about. In order to provide ideas and share good practice, Barnabas Children's Ministry has developed its Faith in Homes website supported by articles, ideas, books and ongoing research. This is a new and exciting aspect of our work.
- Our church has no children. What can we do to start a church for local families and children that do not yet come?
In the past, many churches have tried offering occasional 'family services', and although there are places where this approach may still have some success, on the whole it does not seem to suit current lifestyle patterns, particularly with regard to our traditional Sunday service times. In addition, in a society that is seeing an increasing fragmentation of family life, the idea of church that has segregated groups as part of its eventual offer is not perhaps the best solution.
A new all-age fresh expression of church is needed and this is where Messy Church has come into its own. This is another of BRF's core ministries and is a growing phenomenon. The Barnabas Children's Ministry Team would be very happy to explore this solution with you. You can contact us through the Messy Church website.
- Our children's leaders are always giving. What can we offer them so they have a chance to recharge their spiritual batteries?
Some sort of 'sacred space' for those who work with children is vital. Children's leaders may often miss out on worship and teaching with the whole church, so why not show how much you care about their ministry by organising a Quiet Day for them - time out with God - so that they can be re-energised in their important calling. Investing in your leaders in this way is a real investment in your children. BRF has a programme of Quiet Days.
- How can I keep in touch with all that Barnabas Children's Ministry has to offer?
Just sign up for our regular e-news, which will keep you up to date with all our new books, ideas, special events, training opportunities and resources, including thought-provoking articles, links to key websites and a regular blog about what's current.