Children, Youth & Family Ministry Consultation
The Diocese of Algoma’s Children, Youth & Families Consultation is an opportunity to help shape the future of ministry across our churches and communities. Following a resolution of Synod 2025, the Diocese is reviewing its current plan and seeking input from across Algoma. Please answer the questions that best reflect your local context, experience, and hopes for the future.
About You
Parish name
*
Deanery
*
Please Select
Algoma
Muskoka
Sudbury-Manitoulin
Temiskaming
Thunder Bay-North Shore
Age Range
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17 and under
18 to 29
30 to 49
50 to 69
70+
Role
*
Incumbent / Priest-in-Charge
Deacon
Warden
Parish Council member
Children’s/youth/family ministry leader (staff or volunteer)
Parent / caregiver
Youth (age 12–18)
Young adult (age 19–30)
Other
Other role (please specify)
Parish type
*
Single-point parish
Multi-point parish
Shared ministry / other arrangement
If you are in a multi-point parish, please indicate whether you are responding collaboratively or per point.
*
Responding on behalf of single point
Responding on behalf of all points
Current Challenges
What are the greatest current challenges affecting ministry with children, youth, and families? Select up to 3.
Few or no children/youth currently attending
Irregular attendance/competing activities on Sundays
Limited volunteers
Volunteer burnout
Lack of trained leaders
Limited budget/resources
Lack of suitable curriculum or materials
Transportation/distance
Building limitations (space, accessibility, etc.)
Limited support from wider parish
Not sure where to start
Please share any additional context about your current challenges.
Current Practices and Strengths
Do children or youth currently participate in church life?
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Yes
No
Occasionally
If yes/occasionally, please describe how children or youth participate
Does the parish currently have any ministry focused on children, youth, or families?
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Yes
No
Some
Which programs are currently offered?
Sunday school / children’s program
Youth group
Family service / intergenerational worship
Vacation Bible School / day camp
Messy Church or similar
Confirmation preparation
Retreats / special events
Online or hybrid ministry for children/youth/families
Partnerships with other parishes or denominations
Community-based programs (e.g., after-school, homework club)
Other
Briefly describe current offerings, including ages served, resources used, and collaborations
Future Ministry Models
Of the ministry models listed below, which one or two feel most realistic for your church right now?
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Traditional Sunday school
Intergenerational / all-ages worship
Small intergenerational groups (e.g., home groups, table groups)
Midweek programs (after school / evening)
Seasonal or event-based ministry (Advent, Lent, summer, etc.)
Shared ministry with neighbouring parishes
Online or hybrid ministry
Community partnership models (schools, community centres, etc.)
Mentoring / discipleship-focused models
Grandparent-based
Other (please specify)
Please provide any additional context as to why you feel these would be most realistic.
Diocesan Priorities and Support
How significant should a diocesan priority for children, youth, and family ministry be over the next three years?
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Low Priority
1
2
3
4
Very High Priority
5
1 is Low Priority, 5 is Very High Priority
Which diocesan support would be most helpful? (Select up to 3)
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Training for leaders (online or in-person)
Resource recommendations and reviews
Grants or financial support
Help starting something new in our parish
Coaching / mentoring for leaders
Regional gatherings or networks
Diocesan-wide events for children, youth, and families
Support for intergenerational worship
Help with communications and promotion
Other
What would you most like to see in a new diocesan plan, or retained from the current plan?
Additional Voices
Is there someone you would recommend we speak with directly—such as a young person, ministry leader, volunteer, parent, or other interested person—who could help inform this work?
Contact information for that person (if appropriate to share)
Is there anything else you would like to share
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