1. Ely Diocese Baptism ALM
Session 5: Relationship

2. Baptism

4. Relationship with the Church & people of God

5. Statistics for Mission 2015

6. Baptism + Co-ordinator
Beginnings project
1. 122,000 baptisms (under 12) 65% under 1(2013) Beginnings project
2. Two in ten started to attend church regularly following the christening
• 95% knew what the church expected in terms of future relationship
• 77% wanted to keep in touch with the church and 61% expected the church to keep in touch with them
Implication: Churches need to understand that christenings are a catalyst to regular churchgoing and take action based on that expectation
3. Most people who had their child baptised were on a journey of faith themselves
• 64% had experience of Christian faith as a child through church, Sunday school, church school, youth group, 56% had parents/grandparents that went to church
Implication: Churches need to recognise the faith journeys of parents and do what they can to support and encourage them as they continue their journey with God.
4. Most people saw the christening as an essential foundation at the start their child’s faith journey
• Parents claimed these as influences on the decision to have their child christened: 89% wanted a blessing for the child, 89% saw the christening as being a good start in life, 80% saw it as the start for a journey of faith and 79% felt that it gave some sort of protection for the child. It means that ‘God knows you’re out there’.
Implication: There is a need for the church to be much more intentional about the fact that baptism is the start of a journey of faith. Churches could offer more practical help and support to parents who wish to nurture their child on its faith journey.
5. Nine in ten were happy to keep in touch with the church, but only three in ten expected the church to keep in touch with them.
• Only 9% did not want to keep in touch with the church afterwards
• Only 29% expected the church to keep in touch with them
• 64% claimed to have had contact from the churches following the christening, although this was much more likely to be with those that became regular churchgoers (90%) than those who were non-churchgoers (41%)
• Only 16% said the church made it very clear they wanted them to attend church following the christening.
• Qualitative respondents said they would have welcomed more communication from the church, at least to keep them in touch with events and services
Implication: The relationship between family and church is two way. If the church wants to build a relationship it should make more of an effort to start the relationship well, and continue to keep in touch with families following the baptism.
Stats for Mission 2014
baptisms and thanksgivings
To support, encourage and help you….!

7. Bridging the gap Children and family projects Baptism ENGAGE
VICAR BAPTISM COORDINATOR PARISH ACTIVITY

8. How do we do this?

9. First Steps

10. What ideas in your groups can you come up with that you could do to connect with families before the Baptism?

11. Before the Baptism Baby or Toddler Group
Invites to local families for special services eg. Mothering Sunday
Christingle, Carol Service, Harvest Festival.
Pampering and pudding evening
Coffee mornings
Starting Rite

12. Visit from another family Baptism preparation
Preparation for the Baptism
Visit from another family
Baptism preparation
Invite to church service/All Age Service
Connection Rite

13. After the Baptism Baby or Toddler Groups
Invites to local families for special services eg. Mothering Sunday
Christingle, Carol Service, Harvest Festival.
Godparents Sunday
Mother’s Union box
Parenting courses

14. Little Angels

16. Pintrest – Debbie Hill’s page

17. What ideas in your groups can you come up with that you could do to connect with families after the Baptism?

18. Church Support Hub Website

19. Godparent Sunday

20. Godparent Sunday

21. Resources & ideas