Imagine 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 - to register an interested contact Bev Higgs.
Network Meetings
For parish-employed children, young people and family ministers:
Further dates to follow - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs.
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 request the booking link.
Other sources of training and development
- Messy Church
- Aurora Youth & Children’s Ministry Course (from Sheffield Diocese)
- Youthscape Youth work/ministry Online Confidence and Skills Course
- CYM
- St Padarn’s MA for Children, Young People and Family Specialists
- National Youth Ministry Weekend
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
Ian Macdonald
Berkshire and Young People specialist
James Wood
Buckingham and Schools specialist