Children Matter Most
Children are highly valued in God’s Kingdom.
Jesus takes children seriously and harshly warns against harming them.
We believe children are the most vulnerable amongst us and also the most resilient when they have opportunities to thrive. As followers of Jesus, we are responsible for protecting and caring for children in our communities. It’s our job to surround them with love and prayer.
We have always supported children’s ministry. But we also believe we can do more. As a Conference, we commit to listening, learning, and tackling the issues our children face.
Together, let’s fiercely pursue good for all children and their families in Indiana.
Quick Resources:
The Initiative
Areas of Focus
Promoting nonviolence
Eliminating food insecurity
Partnering with schools
Our Resolution
Work and walk according to God’s purposes for children and their families.
Intervene where children encounter harm.
Seek healing that brings community.
Offer love that leads to fullness of life.
Advocate for the children of Indiana.
Get Involved
Make a Commitment
Want to do more for the children in your community? Let us know where you’d like to grow and where you need support.
Pray With Us
Join us in praying for soft hearts and open eyes toward children in need so that we may respond with action.
The Dream and Do Award
Do you know any children/youth with a project or ministry idea that would make a positive impact on their community? The Dream and Do Award, brought to you by Children Matter Most, can help make that idea a reality! Applicants must be ages 18 or under and have the support of a clergy/staff member of an Indiana United Methodist Church or affiliated local church ministry to apply. Applications will be accepted throughout the year. Please contact jennifer.huff@inumc.org with any questions.
Our Leadership Team
This team, assembled by Bishop Trimble, is passionate about meeting the needs of children throughout Indiana. These leaders meet regularly to identify ways the Conference can care for children and empower local churches to take action.
Resources
Addressing Gun Violence & Children
Stories
Protecting Our Children
Why create and follow an abuse prevention plan?
The Indiana Annual Conference is committed to the well-being of every person entrusted to its care as well as those entrusted to the care of local United Methodist Churches in all of Indiana. Our calling is to provide safe sanctuary for all of God’s people including our children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Indiana United Methodists affirm that all children, youth, and vulnerable adults have the right to expect safe sanctuary.
At our 2021 Annual Conference, we voted to affirm the Children Matter Most resolution* which pledged our commitment to “fiercely pursue good for all children and their families in Indiana.” In addition, we said we would “work and walk according to God’s purposes for the lives of the children and their families in our communities.”
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