“Let the children come to Me”: State of the Church 2025 findings to focus on children and the church

The State of the Church in Singapore study is into its fourth year. Since 2022, we have conducted an annual study that serves to hold up a mirror for the Church to “know herself” and discern what may need to be done. We have looked at the post COVID-19 pandemic outlook of the Singapore church, […] The post “Let the children come to Me”: State of the Church 2025 findings to focus on children and the church appeared first on Salt&Light.

Religion Jan 4, 2026 0 2 Add to Reading List

“Let the children come to Me”: State of the Church 2025 findings to focus on children and the church

The State of the Church in Singapore study is into its fourth year. Since 2022, we have conducted an annual study that serves to hold up a mirror for the Church to “know herself” and discern what may need to be done.

We have looked at the post COVID-19 pandemic outlook of the Singapore church, and we have also studied the Church with respect to young adults and seniors.

This year, we decided that it was time to look at the children:

What’s the state of the Church concerning children?

How are our Children’s Ministries faring?

The SOTC team agreed that before we conducted any study on children, we had to first listen to “seasoned practitioners”. And so, we sought out a group of leaders of parachurch organisations and church ministries that serve children and parents, and conducted a focus group discussion with them in May this year.

We asked them what concerns they had about children’s ministry in the local church, and what data points would be worth collecting in a study. Many of the concerns and suggestions raised by these seasoned leaders found their way into our study.

The SOTC team also agreed to conduct only a small-scale study, as we wanted to reserve capacity for a major study in 2026.

The result of this year’s labour of love will be released on January 17, during the National Children’s Ministry Dedication Service 2026. (See details below)

The following critical questions will be raised in our report for every Pastor and Children’s Ministry leader to ponder:

What’s the makeup of the children in your church?
What is success in Children’s Ministry to You?
How do you raise, train and care for Children’s Ministry staff and volunteers?
What are the pain points of your Children’s Ministry?
How are you preparing children to respond to contemporary issues?
How are you discipling the Church to disciple the children?
How is your church leadership involved in and supporting the Children’s Ministry?
How safe are the children in your Children’s Ministry?
How inclusive is your ministry for children with special needs?

We hope that the study will be fruitful for its purpose, with the end-result being that the children may come to Jesus. (Mark 10:14)

About the State of the Church in Singapore Study

This is a collaborative effort between Biblical Graduate School of Theology, Singapore Bible College, Trinity Theological College and Salt&Light, which is part of the Thirst Collective.

The team for the 2025 study comprises:

STEERING COMMITTEE:
Rev Dr Bernard Chao (Trinity Theological College)
Mr Hor Guo Yi (Biblical Graduate School of Theology)
Dr Kwa Kiem Kiok (Singapore Bible College)
Rev Ng Zhi-Wen
Pastor Edric Sng (Salt&Light)

RESEARCH TEAM:
Pastor Amos Pang
Pastor Howard Kuay
Mr Kenneth Heng
Mr Reggie Ng

About the National Children’s Ministry Dedication Service 2026

Every year, Children’s Ministry (CM) leaders, teachers, and volunteers from across Singapore gather to dedicate themselves anew to the Lord and to the work of discipling the next generation unto the Lord, and to align hearts, minds and ministries with His purposes.

In 2026, with the theme “The Future of Children’s Ministry,” this annual gathering will take on a new and immersive format, inviting participants to step into the world of Gen Alpha and encounter the realities, influences and hopes of the children. Ultimately, the hope is that through this event, participants will recognise that we are all part of God’s big, beautiful story of redemption, and that we have a mission to raise image-bearers who will shine in this generation.

Through worship, prayer, and a guided experiential journey, may every Children’s Ministry worker walk away with:

⁠Awareness of the world our children live in today;
⁠Empathy for their unique challenges;
⁠Conviction that what they do matters.

DATE: Saturday, January 17, 2026
TIME: 9.30am to 1.30pm
VENUE: Covenant Evangelical Free Church (Bukit Panjang)
ORGANISED BY: Kidmin Singapore
SUPPORTED BY: Covenant Evangelical Free Church
REGISTER here

About Kidmin Singapore

Kidmin Singapore is the children’s ministry equipping arm of The Treasure Box Singapore. Its mission is to help children’s ministry practitioners discover their calling, build their competencies and get connected with a wider community.

It was birthed out of a burden to see children’s ministry leaders and volunteers realise the importance of the work that they do, and receive the professional and practical training that will help them do the work better.

Visit Kidminsg’s linktree or follow them on Instagram (@kidminsg) for more information!