Churches are being urged to invest more in toddler groups to increase congregations, as new research revealed attendance grew in 82 percent of congregations whe
Parents and carers are also finding faith and becoming Christians through parent and toddler groups, according to the Jubilee Plus study.
"Parent and toddler groups are often seen as very much part of what the church does, but churches don't fully appreciate the impact they're having and churches should continue and persevere with the groups," said report author Andy Biggs to Premier.
"And also seek out the expert assistance of the partnerships with organisations such as Care For The Family and Who Let Dad's Out," he added.
Under the report's recommendations, Jubilee Plus has suggested churches who want to make an impact in their communities through engaging with families that have young children should establish where there is the most need, and then deliberately set up a long-term group with a properly trained, resourced and well organised team.
Research in other studies shows that approximately 27,000 UK churches run early years projects and 52% of children in England access some form of parent and toddler group via churches.
Listen to Andy Biggs from Jubilee Plus speaking to Premier's Des Busteed.
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Article by Desmond Busteed
Desmond Busteed is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
