Much of this ministry will take place outside the church, but the training starts at home. A network of caring kids provides a healing ministry of service and a welcoming haven which draws youth to church. Develop ministries that assist parents and strengthen families. They are most likely to return to a church that provides resources for them and their children. Practice a real ministry of hospitality to strangers.
Many churches have numerous visitors throughout the year.
Most do not come back because they are not warmly welcomed. Children and youth often feel doubly unwelcome in this strange and adult place. Architecture, worship, and fellowship need to be intentionally youth and child-friendly if a ministry of hospitality with children and families is to occur. When young people see that their turf is important enough for adults to respect and visit, they will come to know through us the One who enters all parts of our world to love and redeem. But what better place to start than with a God who first comes to us as a child.