Children & Youth
At Ashburton Baptist Church, children and young people are an important part of our church community. We are committed to creating a space where young people feel welcome, valued and supported. Our aim is to provide an inspiring and supportive environment in which they feel free to ask questions, grow personally and spiritually and make meaningful and lasting friendships. We offer a range of programs and events specifically for young people.
Children, youth and young adults are also active across the life of the church including leading and participating in our Sunday worship services, HUB, kids’ ministry, community outreach and a range of other activities.
We welcome young people, and their families, from all backgrounds to get involved in our youth activities and life of the church. This is reflected in our Welcome Statement on the home page. For more information about any of our youth activities, please contact the ABC Office.
Children on Sundays
We love being a multi-generational church! On Sunday mornings we aim to create a relaxed, creative environment in which children (and their parents) can feel comfortable and engaged. On Sundays where there’s no separate children’s program, we usually have a simple activity which children can do in the church, to help them connect with the Bible passage or themes of the service.
On the 3rd Sunday of each month we have a separate children’s program. We gather all the children at the start of the service and the program runs in the hall for approximately 45 minutes. For safety, parents must complete the check-in/check-out form. The program is open to primary school kids. (Youth are welcome to assist!)
The program aims to be fun and interactive for the kids of our church. We design the Sunday program for children to get to know Jesus and have him as the centre of our teachings. We have activities that encourage creativity and community outreach. We hope that the kids can feel a sense of belonging in Christ's love.
Playgroup
Our Wednesday playgroup offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities for babies to kinder age children including painting, crafts, sand and water play, role-play, climbing, movement and singing.
Parents/carers bring morning tea for their own children. Tea and coffee are provided for parents/carers to help themselves. Playgroup commences at 10am and we generally have free play until about 11am, followed by morning tea for the children and then singing. We finish at 11.30am. Find out more about playgroup.
Youth Group
Youth Group is run on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, during the school term, for young people from Grade 6 to Year 12. Youth group is a safe, fun and supportive environment for teenagers to connect with one another, explore their faith, have fun and serve the community. Led by staff, parents and volunteers, youth activities have included bowling, movie nights, guest speakers, cooking nights and community outreach to name a few.
Youth on Sundays
Youth Sundays are run on the 1st Sunday of each month, during the 2nd half of the worship service. Youth Sundays are focused on practical discipleship, Bible study and exploring faith in an encouraging, curious and age-appropriate way, with plenty of fun and games in between. Our goal is for young people to be dedicated, informed and compassionate followers of Jesus. Many of our young people are also involved in assisting with our Kids Ministry which is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month.