Celebration of youth work as new ministers licensed (including one by mobile phone!)

Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher,with seven of the youth ministers. Pictured from left to right, they are: Simon Corner, Ian Macdonald, Matt Levett, the Bishop of Dorchester, Yvonne Morris, Sarah Hamilton, Quentin Gunderson and Chris Trent.	Worship was led by a band of youngstersfrom Chesham Bois.

HUNDREDS turned up for the first ever licensing of youth ministers in Diocese of Oxford. The service in Christ Church Cathedral fused the formal and informal, the traditional and less so, young people and well – the rest of us! A large section of the worship was led by a talented group of young people from Chesham Bois.

Eight people were licensed in all though one, Mark Berry of Mursley Deanery, had to be licensed over a mobile phone as he was ill and could not attend the service.

In order to be licensed, the youth workers had to submit a portfolio detailing their training, experience and understanding of theology and youth work, to demonstrate competence in leading worship and preaching and also meet legal and practical criteria. The day was a recognition of their work and experience, a huge celebration for them but even more importantly a recognition of all the youth ministry that goes on week by week across the Diocese enabled by volunteers and employed youth workers alike. Sometimes youth work can be seen as just something that goes on on the fringes of the Church but this licensing service will hopefully raise the profile of this crucial ministry. It is a ministry that: • Works with young people where they are and helps them grow in all areas of their lives and, crucially, engage with the radical challenge of the Christian faith; • Trains up a new generation of leaders; • Helps to understand the changing culture and to help the Church engage with it.

Each of the youth workers was presented with a candle and Bible to represent sharing light and truth. They were also presented by their young people with a pizza box and friendship bracelet to celebrate the food and friendship they share with young people. Lastly, they were given a pack of batteries to symbolise enabling young people to bring their energy to the life of the church.

Ian Macdonald Diocesan Youth Officer