Christ United Methodist Church
A Closer Look: Children & Youth

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
 

Tonight’s Agenda

Welcome                                                        7:00- 7:10

–   Opening Prayer

–   Introductions

–   Goals

–   Wednesday night agendas

Review of Survey Feedback                        7:10- 7:25

Group Discussion                                         7:25- 8:20

Questions                                                       8:20- 8:30

Closing Prayer                                               8:30
 

‘Sharing the Dream’
Goals:

Discern God’s direction for Christ Church by:

–   Understanding what is important to the congregation

–   Identifying potential areas for further discussion

–   Prayerful consideration of the process

Please list the 5 most important CUMC areas or programs to you.

1. Worship

2. Adult Education

3. Outreach

4. Children and Youth

5. Music

Upcoming Wednesday Evening Discussions

April 30:   Worship and Adult Education

May 7:     Mission and Outreach

May 14:   Building and Budget 

Survey Results

294 Completed Surveys!!

88% of Surveys completed by CUMC Members

All Services Represented

Children reflect the age demographic

Children & Youth
Survey Results-Strengths
 

“How loving all the teachers and leaders are to the kids”

“I joined this church because of the many opportunities the children have to participate within the church.”

“The youth ministry…are the greatest strengths I am personally aware of.”

“Super kids and teens programs”

“I have made many new friends through the youth ministry and it has meant so much to me.”

“The youth ministry offers wonderful direction for the youth.”

“The number of interested youth and children of

 all ages.”

“Serving others through mission trips (youth…)”
 

Children & Youth
Survey Results-Areas to Improve
 

“Figuring out how to reach the disillusioned/cynical/angry teenager and younger adult…”

“It would be nice if there was something for parents of high schoolers/college students.  Teens face many challenges and choices today and communication between parents is crucial to identify concerns…”

“There is something about youth group my son cannot connect with, which has been disappointing to me.”
 

“My children haven’t been pleased with the Sunday school program the past few years.”

“It is difficult for people coming from other churches to understand how the Sunday School system works.”

“I think CUMC should improve on the communication between the youth and the church, like having more kids serve on committees…”
 

Beginning the Dialogue:
Questions for Discussion

Why do we do Children and Youth Ministry?

Children & Youth   

How can the church best deal with the demands for our youth/children’s time?

(conflict between church & school & sports activities)

How can we keep Children & Youth involved in the church?
 

Children’s Ministry ( 1^st – 6^th grade )

What are we not doing in Children’s Ministry that we should be doing?
 

Youth Ministry ( 7^th- 12^th grade )

How do we reach youth from families who have no church background?
 

Children & Youth

In what family-focused events would you participate?
 

Children’s Ministry ( 1^st – 6^th grade )

What is the best time-frame for weekday Children’s Ministry?
 

Youth Ministry ( 7^th- 12^th grade )

What do we need to do in Youth Ministry that we are not currently doing?
 

Children & Youth

Where are fun places to take children & youth?
 

Children’s Ministry ( 1^st - 6^th grade )

What is your child’s favorite part of Vacation Bible School?
 

Children & Youth

What do we need for Children and Youth Ministries that we currently do not have?
 

Children & Youth   

How do you think  Children & Youth Ministry will look in the 21^st century?

Christ United Methodist Church
 A Closer Look:

Worship & Adult Education

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

7:00pm