Equipping for ministry

Ele - one of our children and families workers in Berkshire

Training and Events Diary

 
2023

17 November - ODBF Space Makers - St Mary's Convent, Wantage - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

2024

6 January - Authorise Preachers Intergen - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs

23-25 January - DEPTH Retreat - for those employed in children, young people and family ministry - Douai Abbey, Woolhampton - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

31 January - ODBE Space Makers - Saltau Centre, Maidenhead - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

7 March - ODBF Space Makers - St Katherine's, Parmoor - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

16 March - Heart to Heart (Training and Commissioning Day) - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs

25 April - ODBE Space Makers - Warwick Hall, Burford - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

15 June - Heart to Heart (Training and Commissioning Day) - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs

19 June - ODBF Space Makers - Douai Abbey, Woolhampton - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here

12-14 July - YELLOW BRACES 2024 - Adventure Plus, Clanfield, Oxon - to book click here

5 September - Induction Day for Children, Young People and Family Ministers newly employed within the last 12 months - to book click here

 

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.

 

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

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.

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

Kathryn Aboud

Berkshire and Young People specialist

Email

James Wood

Buckingham and Schools specialist

Email

Page last updated: Friday 10th November 2023 11:25 AM

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