LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Christian education and spiritual formation are the most important congregational ministries for children, according to a survey of Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations.
Eighty percent of members and 81 percent of pastors surveyed said the church is a powerful force in equipping kids for life's challenges, according to the Presbyterian News Service. The denomination has dedicated 2001-2011 as "The Decade of the Child."
Among the survey's findings:
- 69 percent of the congregations involve youth in mission trips;
- 80 percent of the congregations allowed youth to lead worship at least once in the previous year;
- 25 percent of congregations have "youth elders" and 35 percent have "youth deacons"; and,
- 58 percent of pastors said spiritual formation resources for children interested them, while 50 percent wanted more Christian education resources. Forty-nine percent wanted prayer and Bible study resources related to children's needs and issues.
