The weekly Parents and Toddlers group at our church is such a vibrant mission field. Before I became a mother, I knew these gatherings were a way to connect with other parents while their little ones played.
However, once I had my son and started attending one, I experienced first-hand their incredible potential – not only as a source of emotional support as parents share our experience of those sleepless nights, but also to show the love and hope found in Jesus in genuine, everyday ways with parents who have yet to know him.
Many parents can feel isolated or overwhelmed, and these meetings offer more than just a break from the daily grind. By meeting other parents, sharing our joys and struggles, these groups provide a space where practical support meets the opportunity to share Jesus’ love.
In a recent report, Talking Toddlers, 62% of parents of children under five are already in some kind of contact with a church, and 86% of those people attend regular church activities.
So, how do we share the gospel and invite people to our churches through this crucial ministry?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of being open about who we are. At our group, we don’t shy away from our Christian identity.
I used to worry that including Bible stories or Christian songs might alienate non-churchgoers. But I’ve found that authenticity is what draws people in.
We blend familiar nursery rhymes like The Wheels on the Bus with simple Christian songs. Children love them - and sometimes, their parents become curious too.
At our Mums and Tots group, we share short Bible stories or devotional thoughts alongside discussions about everyday parenting challenges.
While the children enjoy snacks, one of the Christian mums might share how she copes with fatigue, reading Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
We aim for a healthy mix of participants - ensuring that for every guest unfamiliar with church, there’s a parent who regularly attends. This balance fosters genuine relationships where conversations about Jesus arise naturally.
The Talking Toddlers report shows that while 62% of parents are already in contact with churches, 25% remain unreached. That means many are already stepping through our doors - even if they’re not yet part of church life.
In my experience, when parents of other faiths or none interact with Christians, it creates a welcoming space for faith-based conversations. A simple chat about sleepless nights can lead to sharing a Bible verse or personal story.
Once, I connected with a mum who had just moved to the UK. I shared how I found comfort in stories of people in the Bible, like Abraham, who also moved and trusted God’s guidance. It was a natural, heartfelt exchange because I too made that move to the UK from another country.
Hospitality is at the heart of our ministry. We aim to create a space that feels like home, offering freshly baked treats, a warm cup of coffee, and cosy corners for quiet chats.
These small gestures say, “You matter. You are cared for.”
Research shows that 73% of parents on the fringes of church attend activities because someone they trust invited them. Personal invitation matters.
We use WhatsApp chats - one for church mums coordinating the group and another open one for all participants - to keep the community alive between meetings. These chats often lead to spontaneous park meet-ups and deeper friendships.
Hospitality isn’t just about comfort - it’s about showing the love of Christ through kindness and presence.
Toddler groups aren’t just for catching up - they’re also a great opportunity to invite families to church.
After a session filled with fun and connection, a gentle mention of an upcoming family-friendly service can go a long way.
By weaving our Christian identity into a nurturing environment, we create space for both children and parents to hear the best news we have: the gospel.
Every coffee shared, every snack offered, every invitation extended is a seed of hope. By being open about our faith, fostering balanced relationships, and offering genuine hospitality, we’re not just filling a room - we’re nurturing a generation.
These early moments matter. They lay the foundation for lifelong faith and discipleship.
We can raise a generation of children who grow up knowing Jesus, supported by a loving community.
Though my son has outgrown the Toddler group, I’m deeply grateful for the chance to share Jesus through these simple, meaningful gatherings.
Every smile, every conversation, every act of kindness is a step toward a future closer to Jesus - for our children and our community.
And that, to me, is the heart of our mission.
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
