Scottish Churches to launch new Children's Ministry Network

This Saturday sees the launch of the Children's Ministry Network, a new ecumenical organisation for children's workers in the church in Scotland.

The aim of the event is to share and enhance the experience of those who work with young people, regardless of their denomination.

The Children's Ministry Network is a joint venture by the Mission & Discipleship council of the Church of Scotland, the United Reformed Church, the Episcopal Church, the Baptist Union, The Salvation Army and the International Christian College.

Rev Linda Pollock, regional development officer with the Church of Scotland, said that the childrens project was long overdue.

"We are responding to a growing need among children's workers requesting a safe, and supportive forum for them to 'move' in," she said.

"Primarily we are a support network for people doing similar work and who are facing similar problems.

"There are also future plans to develop training and resourcing between the different Christian groups."

Letham St Mark's church in Perth will host the event, which features Alan Charter from Scripture Union England and Wales as the main speaker.

In addition, there will be a team of children's workers from all over Scotland to lead small group discussions.

One unusual feature on Saturday will be a special wall on which participants are invited to scribble their thoughts across. Afterwards, the leadership group will then take this information away and examine it in order to respond to the concerns and questions raised in regard to children's ministry work.