Supporting parish engagement with children, young people and families.
The team of Discipleship Enablers exists to support engagement between children, young people and families within the church, community and local schools. They look forward to working with you and your church community in supporting, encouraging and nurturing the next generation.
What are you looking for?
Support for a church | Support for a school | Events and training | Meet the team | Safeguarding guidance
Generations - a monthly mailing for all who minister among children, young people and families
Amplify: From Whispers to Waves
As adults in the church, it's our job to actively listen to the voices of children and young people. Together, we can transform their aspirations into actions.
It's time for a change in how we work. Let's amplify the voices of children and young people and turn them from whispers into waves.
I think one of the barriers has been that we're trying to get young people into the church, but not really leading them to Jesus...
In this section...
Amplify
Platforming the voices of children and young people, turning whispers into waves.
Disciples Together
How we can embrace change for the benefit of God’s work in the world and an outline steps for our future ministry.
Resourcing Disciples Together
A database of resources, links and ideas to help with ministry to children, young people and families.
Events and training
Ensuring all who minister with children, young people and families are valued, equipped and supported.
Schools partnerships
Serving and building relationships with your local schools.
Meet the team
Revd Joanna Gallant
Head of Discipleship and Social Justice
Joanna is responsible for enabling and resourcing adult discipleship and Christian formation. She manages and supports the delivery of three other diocesan focus areas within our common vision: environmental action; engagement with children, young people, families and schools; and addressing poverty and inequality. Joanna is passionate about enabling others to grow as disciples of Jesus, and to confidently live out their faith in ways that bring real, Kingdom-shaped, change to every aspect of life; personally, locally, and globally.
07443 534 010
Yvonne Morris
Discipleship Enabler (Dorchester & Oxford Areas) and Children’s and Family Ministry specialist
Yvonne is the Discipleship Enabler across the Oxford and Dorchester Archdeaconries, as well as the diocesan children and family ministry specialist. One of Yvonne's passions is to be shown new things about God by children. She loves gently enabling them to connect their story with God's and God's story with their own through playful wondering. Yvonne also likes helping adults to open up to the mutual spiritual growth that can occur when safe spaces are created with children. Two of the biggest influences on Yvonne’s ministry have been becoming a Godly Play practitioner and being on the delivery team for the Partnership for Missional Church. Yvonne has a husband, two children and three guinea pigs. Her other great play is running, particularly enjoying muddy cross-country races and peaceful early morning runs.
01865 208 255
James Wood
Discipleship Enabler (Buckingham Area) and Schools specialist
James is Discipleship Enabler for the Buckinghamshire, as well as school’s missions advisor. James has responsibility for supporting the churches in the Buckingham Archdeaconry with youth, children’s and families ministry. He also provides specialist advice and support across the diocese in relation to church engagement with schools. James is passionate about discipleship and has had experience of pioneering several youth work projects. James has a BA in Theology and Masters in Mission from Cliff College. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, swimming and cooking and also spends time composing and producing music
01865 208 296
Kathryn Aboud
Discipleship Enabler (Berkshire Area) and Youth Ministry specialist
Kathryn is the Discipleship Enabler for Berkshire, as well as the diocesan Youth specialist. Having grown up in a Missionary background and living in community, it has been Kathryn's vision for young people to know they belong and are part of a community and family. That they are seen, known, and loved. Kathryn has worked around the Oxford Diocese in a range of Parishes and has found it a privilege walking alongside children and young people and families as well as meeting other children and youth workers to encourage and support one another.
She loves cake - baking them and eating them, watching films and all things Superhero's with her husband and 2 children, and playing boardgames.
01865 208 253
Bev Higgs
Administrator for the Discipleship Enabler Team (Children, Young People and Families)
Bev is the team administrator who lived in North Tyneside, working for the NHS before moving to Oxford to work for the University Central Offices. Bev has worked for the diocese for seven years and prior to this was employed as a school secretary. She lives with her husband and has two grown-up children, two grandchildren and a very active dog! She understands the joys and challenges of family life and would describe herself as friendly and approachable. She loves to travel and visiting places of interest and spends a lot of time out and about enjoying the fresh air dog walking!
01865 208 252