This guide discusses the involvement of religious congregations in family child care. Topics include: (1) definitions of family child care and family child care providers; (2) the importance and benefits of family child care; (3) reasons why congregations should be interested in child care and choose child care ministries; (4) the role of churches and synagogues in child care; (5) the ecumenical child care network; (6) the assessment of a community's child care needs and of a congregation's resources and capabilities for helping the community meet its needs; and (7) challenges faced by congregations that establish partnerships with family child care providers. Also considered are opportunities for congregations to support family child care by means of partnerships with individual providers and provider groups, efforts to connect providers with families, and efforts to increase community support for family child care. Throughout the guide, reference lists of organizations and publications with additional information on specific topics related to family child care are provided. Appendixes include a glossary of family child care terms and a list of members of a child care advisory committee of the National Council of Churches. (BC)