Preliminary findings from the Diocese of Algoma’s Children, Youth & Family Ministry (CYFM) consultation were presented to Executive Committee this past week by the Rev. Heather Manuel and the Rev. Jeffrey Hooper, who have been leading the consultation process and helping guide the revision of the Diocese’s Children, Youth & Family Ministry plan.
To date, 35 responses have been received from parish leaders and members representing a variety of ministry contexts. The findings reveal both significant challenges and encouraging opportunities for the future of ministry with children, youth, and families.
Among the most frequently identified challenges were the absence of children and youth in many congregations, irregular participation due to competing activities, and difficulties recruiting and sustaining volunteers. At the same time, respondents expressed strong support for making Children, Youth & Family Ministry a diocesan priority, with a clear desire for practical support, leadership training, regional networking opportunities, and resources to help parishes begin or strengthen local ministry initiatives.
The consultation also highlighted growing interest in ministry models that reflect current realities. Intergenerational worship emerged as the most frequently identified approach for the future, alongside seasonal and event-based ministry opportunities and traditional Sunday school programs.
Reflecting on the responses received so far, Hooper noted that one of the most encouraging findings was the level of commitment people continue to express toward ministry with children, youth, and families. “The challenges we face are real, but it is encouraging to see that people of all ages deeply value children, youth, and family ministry and that there is a genuine willingness to meet these challenges and try something new,” he said.
Hooper also observed that the responses point toward a deeper conversation about how faith is formed and sustained across generations.
“The lack of children and youth in our churches is the issue that most people are concerned about. In some ways this challenge is not new. Even when Sunday schools and youth groups were full, the reality is the church as an institution provided spiritual formation for only a couple hours a week at most, which was never enough. Our baptismal liturgies recognize that faith formation primarily happens in the family. Our challenge will be encouraging families to reclaim this vocation and creating Christian community that can support families in this most important work.”
Archbishop Anne Germond welcomed the preliminary findings, noting that they provide an important starting point for understanding both the challenges and opportunities facing congregations across the Diocese. She encouraged continued participation in the consultation as the Diocese works toward a renewed vision for ministry with children, youth, and families.
While the preliminary findings provide valuable insight, diocesan leaders stress that the consultation remains open and that additional responses will help ensure the next Children, Youth & Family Ministry plan reflects the realities of congregations across Algoma.
The consultation is part of a process approved by Synod 2025 to revise the Diocese’s current Children & Youth Ministry plan, which was last updated in 2011. The goal is to develop a renewed plan for consideration at Synod 2027.
Take the Survey
Clergy, lay leaders, parents, volunteers, youth, and parish members are invited to complete the Children, Youth & Family Ministry Consultation survey.
Estimated time: 7–10 minutes
👉 Take the survey now: https://form.jotform.com/261173737887067
Learn More
A dedicated Children, Youth & Family Ministry page has been created to provide additional background on the current plan, the need for revision, and how the consultation process will unfold.
👉 Visit the Children, Youth & Family Ministry page: www.dioceseofalgoma.com/cyfm