Children’s Ministry expert visits Down and Dromore
Our Youth and Children’s Department has just hosted Nick Harding for two children’s ministry training events in the diocese.
Nick is Diocesan Advocate for Children’s ministry for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham where he provides advice, resources, consultation and training to churches. Nick is also the author of a range of practical books on children’s work and all–age worship.
About 50 people came along to the evening session in Moira and on Friday 31, St Mark’s Dundela was the venue for a second event for clergy and anyone working in a ministry role with children.
In the first session Nick suggested that rather than churches asking the generational question, “Why should we be together?” they should ask, “How can we be apart? He believes that in a society where there is suspicion between the generations the church can be prophetic in its inclusion and celebration of young people.
He helped the group understand how the world of a child may look with its perspectives, joys and stresses and described how children learn and communicate. The challenge, then, is to apply that knowledge so that churches can interact meaningfully with the children in their congregations.
The second half of the morning was dedicated to just that as Nick shared practical tips and ideas for all–age worship services. Nick is a passionate advocate of all–age worship and everyone took new ideas back to their parishes (one as far as Cork!).
With thanks to our children’s officer Julie Currie for organising the visit.
You can see a few photos here.