Playgroup and Ministry

The following principles can help make your playgroup missional. They are currently being successfully used in many church playgroups to bring people into a relationship with Jesus. As a Christian playgroup, you may choose to prayerfully implement them.

• Faithful prayer is a vital and integral part of the playgroup ministry and outreach.
• The playgroup is seen by the church as part of its total ministry and is supported by leadership. Ongoing encouragement is given to everyone involved.
• The leader is a committed Christian who is passionate about playgroup as a ministry and can build a like-minded team
  around them.
• The differences between a Christian playgroup and a community playgroup are discussed and clearly understood.
• A mission statement for the playgroup that aligns with the vision of the church has been developed in conjunction with church leadership.
• Relationships develop when the size of the playgroup allows meaningful interactions (8-12 adults including leaders).
• Meaningful relationships develop when a significant number of Christians, including childfree adults, are involved in the  playgroup.
• Playgroup team members can include a variety of ages, men or women, with or without children.
• The focus of the playgroup is friendship evangelism, not the Christian curriculum. Relationships are the key, not the program.
• Someone on the church leadership team regularly visits the playgroup e.g. the pastor/ minister, pastoral care team member.
• All written and verbal information about the playgroup clearly states the Christian nature of the playgroup. eg Sunnyside Playgroup is a ministry of Sunnyside Church. We endeavour to share God’s love through stories, songs and activites, particularly at Easter and Christmas, and in practical ways through friendship, care and support. 
• Regular bridge-building activities link playgroup and church families together at organised functions. eg Family fun days at Easter and Christmas. 
• Willing church members are available to help playgroup members in need. eg meals, babysitting, a listening ear
• The playgroup’s profile in the church is raised when the playgroup’s leadership team includes a leader (or their
  spouse) of the church’s leadership team.
• Caring and sharing is at the heart of playgroup ministry – birthdays are celebrated (children & adults); a meal provided; flowers and gifts; intentionally connecting people with similar interests and taking advantage of natural friendships.
• Church people are given specific responsibilities on the playgroup team for pastoral care, evangelism, communication and special events.
• Where the church community is continually updated about playgroup there is increased interest, involvement and
  prayer