Kids Ministry Around the World and Down Under

Kid’s ministry leaders around the world face their own unique challenges in ministry. I invite you to learn about and pray for those called to children’s ministry in Australia. Through networking on CMConnect.org, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and learn from many of these leaders.

Australia is one of the most exciting places I’ve ever visited. My first visit to the Land Down Under was in 1997 as a United States Marine. I’ve also been blessed to serve on short ministry trips there over the past five years. It is a relatively easy trip, save for the jet lag, because of the similarities in language and culture to the United States (where I am from).

Australia has a population of almost 23 million, according to World Bank. A 2010 report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports about 64% identified themselves as Christian, down from 68% in 2001. A study by McCrindle Research says only 8% of Australians attend church regularly (defined as once a month in their study). Of those outside of the Church, 47% say it is irrelevant to their lives.

For those serving in Kid’s Ministry in Australia there are many challenges. Children’s services are often very underfunded. Most who are called to serve children in the church are bi- or tri-vocational. Estimates, from leaders of the Australian Christian Churches, have estimated less than 5% of all children’s pastors receive any sort of pay from the church. Most are volunteers.

With all of this in mind, here are some ways you can pray for our friends serving in children’s ministry in the great nation of Australia:

● Ask God to send harvesters into the field and to provide resources for them to do the work they are called.
● For Senior Pastors and local church leadership to see the value of investing in leaders to lead children.
● For training of children’s ministry leaders to continue and for the tide to be turned in making the Church a place where families reconnect with God.

Michael Chanley is a guest blogger for Kids Ministry 101. He’s an ordained minister with over 16 years experience serving families and children. Michael’s vision to serve those called to children’s ministry led him to create CMConnect.org — a free kidmin network with over 12,000 members.