Talking Toddlers
New research shows that young families with children under five could be a vital element for church growth.
The Talking Toddlers report released in May 2020, shows that 74% of all parents with children under the age of five have attended a church-run activity in the past year presenting a huge missional opportunity for the church.
This new research was commissioned by HOPE Together, the Church of England, and the Evangelical Alliance to highlight the potential for sustained church growth if the church nurtures the faith of under-fives and their parents. Download a summary report of the survey findings here.
Over recent months we have hosted Talking Toddlers webinars to discuss the findings of the research. A recording of the webinar from June 2020 can be watched here. This explores in more depth the findings from the research and how this might apply to our church contexts and outreach to families.
A second follow-up webinar took place in October 2020 looking at stories from lockdown of digital engagement with families of under 5s, creative ideas for this season, and what churches need to consider and put in place to meet again in person. In March 2021, the Talking Toddlers team held a third webinar exploring lockdown, well-being, and opportunities for Easter outreach.
In September 2021 we explored ​‘Pathways to discipleship’ and, inspired by our speakers, the webinar highlighted creative ideas and newly launched resources for engaging children and families across the ages in both Toddler group and family settings.
In our November webinar we looked ahead to Christmas and ways in which to reach families in our communities with the good news of the Christmas story. As well as exploring opportunities for families to be part of the church community this advent.
In our webinar in March 2022 we focused on Easter resources to nurture the faith development of under 5s.
Our webinar in November 2023 was on taking toddlers on a journey through Christmas and in our webinar November 2024 we revisited this theme.
Save the date! Our next Talking Toddlers webinar will take place on 6th March, 10 – 11:30am on Zoom. Our theme: All things Easter.
Join the Talking Toddlers Community
For more information about upcoming webinars and resources, sign up below.
