Equipping for ministry

Ele - one of our children and families workers in BerkshireImagine a church that recognises the calling some have to specifically minister with children, young people and families.

Our vision is that all who minister with children, young people and families are valued, equipped and supported, whatever your ministry looks like - whether you volunteer your time or are employed in your role, this page is for you. You will find information and links to things that are designed and offered to equip and enable.

Our vision is set out in Disciples Together, where under Cultural Shift four we 'imagine a church that recognises the calling some have to specifically minister with children, young people and families.’ We are moving towards being;

"A church that invests in and actively pursues excellence for children, young people and family ministry team members in how they are formed, recruited, trained and supported."

Disciples Together p.17

Subscribe to Generations, our monthly newsletter for children, young people and family ministry and the best way to keep up to date with all the news and opportunities.

Spiritual development

Your own spiritual nurture is of paramount importance as you spiritually accompany children and young people.

Personal Discipleship Plans are an invitation to have a spiritual conversation with an encourager who will ask a series of open questions and who will listen carefully to you your responses, helping you to notice where God is at work and discern God’s voice in your calling and ministry. Contact Bev Higgs requesting a PDP.  

Contemplative Toolkit(s) and training

Contemplative Toolkits are our way of supporting the spiritual nurture of children and young people through easy access contemplative practices in schools, at home and in church groups and worship. The core practices of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending and Blessing are developed from mainly Ignatian Spiritual practices.

Take a look at Space Makers: The Contemplative Toolkit for Schools and Churches, and enjoy this sneaky peak of the Noticing exercise in the forthcoming Contemplative Toolkit for Families.

Oxfordshire Godly Play Network

All are welcome to join Godly Practitioners who meet a few times a year. Please contact group coordinator Carol Carter.

Learning opportunities

Various courses for any interested learner are available through Oxford Diocese Lifelong Learning programme.

Induction Days

For newly appointed (Oct 2022-Sept 2023) Children, Young People and Family Ministers

5 September 2023 - 10am-2.30pm - Church House, Kidlington, Oxford - register here

Day and residential retreats

For parish-employed children, young people and family ministers:

DEPTH Retreat at Douai Abbey 2024 - further details to be confirmed - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs.

For volunteer children, young people and family ministers:

Saturday 7 October 2023 - 10am-4pm - register here

The Discipleship Enabler team warmly invite you to a day retreat at Douai Abbey.

It’s open to anyone who volunteers in ministry among children, young people and families in and through our churches. The day will start with welcome and coffee at 10am, and end with tea and cake at 4pm (with lunch in a middle). There will be led prayer practices, personal space, participation in the Abbey midday prayer, and a reflective walk. No experience necessary! 

Join a Zoom drop-in

Drop in for a conversation about any aspect of ministry with children, young people and families with a Discipleship Enabler and other practitioners. Simply bring your question and curiosity to join in! 

Further dates to be confirmed - to register your interest contact Bev Higgs.

Zoom webinars

Further dates to be confirmed - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs.

Greenhouse

Greenhouse Learning Community: In addition to Deanery Greenhouses there are currently two specific Greenhouses supporting Youth Ministry and Intergenerational approaches.  

29 April 2023 - Intergen Greenhouse gathering - to register an interested contact Bev Higgs.

Network Meetings

For parish-employed children, young people and family ministers:

25 May 2023 - 'The WOW, The HOW and The WHY of story!', in person gathering - Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford - to request the booking link contact Bev Higgs.

BERKSHIRE specific events:

17 May 2023 - 7.45-8.45pm - "It's not as easy as it was!  Sustaining and building on our ministry with children and young people" - ZOOM meeting - register here

These events are not just for children’s and youth workers.  Engaging children and young people in your church and church activities means that everyone needs to be involved.  You are encouraged to attend in groups! 

Training

30 September 2023 - 9.45am-4pm - 'Youthscape Essentials' training course.

At Church House Oxford, followed by 7 online evening sessions on Tuesday evenings from 31st October to 12th December 7pm – 9pm inclusive. Contact Bev Higgs to register an interest.

Other sources of training and development

Consultancy, mentoring, support and bespoke training

There are a team of Discipleship Enablers attached to each of the Archdeaconries. They also hold specialisms across youth work and ministry, children’s and family ministry, and partnership with schools. They would be delighted to hear from you.

Yvonne Morris

Oxford/Dorchester and Children & Family specialist

Email

Ian Macdonald

Berkshire and Young People specialist

Email

James Wood

Buckingham and Schools specialist

Email

Page last updated: Tuesday 25th April 2023 11:27 AM

Related news and stories

PACT’s adoption services rated outstanding for third time

Adoption and support services for adoptive families run by Parents And Children Together (PACT) have been rated outstanding by Ofsted for the third successive inspection....

School Chaplaincy for deprived Inner Oxford

The Oxford Academy serves the deprived communities of Littlemore, Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys....

All in @ 4 Chenies

At St George’s Church, Little Chalfont, a new congregation for non-church-going families welcomes 30-50 people each month....
Powered by Church Edit