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The Value of Partnership in Children's Ministry
by Hannelore Zimmerman, Champion for Children's Ministry
1 October 2008 In the world right now, there are 2.1 billion children – a figure we’ve heard many times during the “Global Children’s Forum”, held at Wheaton College in July. Approximately 50 people representing about 40 different organizations that reach out to children internationally came together to catalyze a movement “that engages every child in every generation with the word of Jesus”. One of the topics we talked about at length was the issue of networking, resource sharing and partnerships. Many of the organizations represented at the forum have some kind of “specialized” service that they offer in different countries, such as training for children’s workers, a kind correspondence course for discipling children, development projects, etc. One of the strengths I see in our SIM children’s ministries is our strong connection to the churches in our host countries. In my opinion this makes us an ideal partner for other organizations that offer specialized services, but might not always have the necessary contacts and relationships that are needed to make a long-term impact. This is why I would like to encourage you to think how YOU could start a partnership in order to reach out more effectively to the children in the country you work in. Please do take some time (perhaps together with your team) to think and pray about needs and opportunities you see. Probably you will realize that there are more needs and opportunities than you will ever be able to respond to. So, why not start a partnership with another organization? For example, in many churches there’s a big need for children’s workers’ training. With everything you’re already doing you might not able to respond to this need. Why not invite another organization to do a workshop? Or facilitate a contact between church leaders and this organization? Often they train participants not only in different topics but at the same time equip them to multiply the same workshop in other places, so this can have quite an impact on children’s ministry in a whole region. Please get in touch with me. I’d be very happy to help you find an organization that fits your situation and form a partnership with them for the Glory of God’s kingdom. Many of us are already involved in partnerships: Why don’t you take some minutes to share your story as an encouragement? Send it to me and I’ll make it available for others. Comment on this post: Email hannelore.zimmermann@sim.org 
 
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Children’s Ministries
Champion: Hannelore Zimmermann Hannelore Zimmermann has been active in children’s ministry since she was 13, and today she trains children’s workers in the highlands of Peru. Hannelore reminds us, “If we reach the children of today, we can change the world of tomorrow.” View all blog entries filed under Children’s Ministries |
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