In the world of toddler groups, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better. A bustling hall filled with parents, carers, and children might seem like a mark of success. But numbers alone are not a reliable measure of meaningful gospel impact. In fact, large groups often lose the opportunity for genuine connections and intentional gospel conversations.
Simply bringing people into a church building doesn’t mean they’ll absorb Christianity by osmosis or catch it like a cold. Evangelism isn’t automatic; it grows in the soil of relationships, intentionality, and a bold witness to Christ’s saving love. When these elements are prioritised, toddler groups are transformed from just another activity to fill the monotony of mornings into something far greater. They become spaces where the gospel is not only spoken but also seen, lived, and lovingly shared.
Many toddler group teams work tirelessly, pouring their energy, time, and love into their groups. However, it’s always worth pausing to reflect on the vision and purpose behind the ministry, ensuring that every effort is aligned with the goal of sharing Christ in meaningful and impactful ways.
More Than Just Another Option
Parents and carers today have countless ways to fill their mornings—soft play centres, music classes, and even other toddler groups run by neighbouring churches. For many, your group might feel like just another stop on their weekly circuit of entertainment options.
If toddler groups are truly a form of frontline evangelism, they must rise above being just another activity. In 2025, toddler groups need to go beyond offering a brief gospel thought and should avoid unintentionally attracting families under false pretences with a sudden “ta-da, Jesus!” moment. In a world where people are longing for authenticity and integrity, these groups have a unique opportunity to share the gospel in ways that are genuine, transparent, and deeply relational.
We are inviting families into something far richer: a true community where the good news of Jesus is shared in a way that brings life—life in all its fullness. This isn’t achieved through gimmicks or forced encounters but through intentional care and authentic relationships. When the gospel is lived and shared in this way, toddler groups become powerful ministries where lives are meaningfully touched by God’s grace.
Fewer Numbers, Greater Impact
Prioritising gospel impact often means making the difficult decision to limit the size of a toddler group. This can feel counterintuitive, especially in a culture that equates success with high attendance. Yet smaller groups foster a healthier volunteer-to-family ratio, ensuring meaningful relationships can develop and that no one feels overlooked or lost in the crowd.
Large, impersonal groups rarely create the deep connections necessary for gospel opportunities. A packed room might seem vibrant, but if it hinders intentional conversations and genuine care, it misses the point. By limiting numbers, we create a space where relationships can grow, conversations can go deeper, and the love of Christ can be shared personally and effectively.
While turning people away may feel difficult, a ministry focused on quality rather than quantity will bear richer, lasting fruit.
Building a Strong, Gospel-Centred Team
The heart of a fruitful toddler group is its team. A common misconception is that a skeletal team will suffice because the main goal is simply to get people in the door. Nothing could be further from the truth. The team is the engine driving this ministry, and those serving must be carefully chosen, well-supported, and consistently trained.
At the core of any effective team are volunteers who are passionate about sharing the gospel, live out their faith with integrity, and are deeply committed to seeing people come to know Christ. These team members engage in intentional conversations, build meaningful relationships, and shepherd families beyond the weekly sessions. They notice when someone hasn’t attended, follow up with a thoughtful call, and offer practical help when needed. Small acts of care—like celebrating children’s birthdays or recognising family milestones—build trust and open doors for deeper gospel conversations.
Behind-the-scenes volunteers are just as vital. From preparing teas and coffees to arranging snacks and tidying up, their contributions create the warm, welcoming environment that makes it possible for frontline team members to focus on deeper engagement.
The balance of the team is critical. When these roles work in harmony, the toddler group becomes more than a well-run event. It transforms into a community where the gospel is experienced in both word and deed, as every effort—visible or unseen—reflects the love of Christ and creates opportunities for families to encounter His saving grace.
Prayer as the Foundation
A strong team is a prayerful team. Regular prayer—both individually and together—is essential for grounding the ministry in dependence on God. Volunteers should pray for the families they serve, the conversations they have, and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who attend. Prayer sustains the team spiritually and reminds them that salvation is God’s work, not theirs.
When a team is passionate, prayerful, and balanced in its roles, toddler groups become places where lives are transformed by the gospel. It’s not about numbers or simply filling the rota; it’s about equipping a team to serve faithfully, love sacrificially, and proclaim Christ boldly.
Intentional Gospel Content
The content and structure of a toddler group are foundational to its effectiveness. Too often, spiritual input is reduced to a brief “God slot” at the end of the session, allowing families to leave without encountering anything truly meaningful. Instead, we should think creatively and intentionally about weaving biblical truths throughout the entire morning, ensuring that the gospel is naturally integrated into the group’s rhythm.
Planning with purpose might mean structuring the session around a key biblical truth. For example, if the focus is on God as Creator, the morning could include a craft that invites children to explore creation, songs that celebrate God’s handiwork, and a reading corner featuring books on the same theme. By immersing families in gospel truths through a variety of activities, we not only teach children but also provide parents with opportunities to reflect on and engage with the message.
The aim is not to overwhelm attendees with information but to gently and persistently sow seeds of the gospel. The overarching story of Scripture—God’s creation, His redemption through Jesus, and His ongoing work in the world—should shape everything we do. By presenting the gospel in this way, we help families see life and the world around them in light of who God is and what He has done.
A Ministry of Eternal Impact
Toddler groups are so much more than a way to fill a morning; they are an opportunity to plant seeds of the gospel that can bear fruit for eternity. By prioritising intentional relationships, thoughtful content, and a team that reflects Christ’s love, we create a ministry where families encounter the truth and grace of Jesus.
The impact may not always be immediately visible, but we can trust God to use our faithful efforts to build His kingdom in ways beyond what we can imagine. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
