CPN Purpose: We exist to equip, encourage and enable healthy Playgroup ministry in local churches. Journeying together, the CPN seeks to provide support and encouragement as playgroups think, pray and develop ways of making the promise of Connect – Belong – Grow a reality. We long to see playgroups as flourishing expressions of God’s Kingdom where families find love, grace and acceptance; faith is formed, shared and nurtured; and fullness of life is experienced. Churches: Through Playgroup, many families find friendship and nurture, connect with your church, and feel that they belong. The Christian Playgroup Network has been building communities through Playgroup for the last 20 years. Our membership is made up of churches that are running a playgroup or playtime, as well as organisations or individuals who advocate playgroups as a ministry of the local church. Seeing the diversity of Playgroups that belong to the CPN is inspiring. Small, large, facilitated by paid staff or volunteers, young mums or retired, multicultural and multilingual. They truly offer a place for people to connect, belong & grow. CPN Values: CPN believes that Christian Playgroups can be a significant vehicle for ministry both to children and to parents/carers. We encourage leaders to communicate the love of Christ to children and families in word and deed. Children: We believe young children should be treated with love and respect, and given opportunities to develop their skills with stage/age appropriate activities. We encourage leaders to explore the Christian message with children in accordance with recognized early childhood best practice. CPN can provide ideas and guidance as to the most appropriate way to communicate the Christian message with very young children. We believe the best thing one can do for any child is to lead their parents into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Parents/Carers: We affirm that all people are created in God’s image, are loved by God, are spiritual beings, and that God “is not far from any one of us, for in Him we live and move and have our being”. Christians are called to model Christ to others, and to witness to Christ “with gentleness and respect”. The greatest gift anyone can receive is a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and it is a great honour to be used by God to facilitate this in another person’s life.