There are exciting and innovative things happening in the sphere of children and youth ministry and the Diocese of Leicester is at the forefront of this progress.
Having partnered with the Church of England 30k Project which seeks to raise up 30,000 more children and youth workers by 2030, we are now piloting a range of recruitment and training programmes for children and youth leaders.
If you are sensing a calling to this priority, already work with children and young people, or your parish would like to recruit new volunteers to serve children and young people, this is a great opportunity to access the courses and resources early and provide feedback that will serve churches across the country.
Intergenerational Communities is one of our five strategic priorities in the Diocese of Leicester.
Matt Long, diocesan Youth Engagement and Intergenerational Communities Enabler, says: “One of the ways we want to outwork this priority is to recruit, support, and train existing and new children and youth leaders.
“I am excited to be partnering with the 30K project in 2024 to offer these free training opportunities for anyone who is involved or interested in working with children or young people.
“If you already have a children or youth ministry, this is a great opportunity to invite your existing volunteers to access some brilliant foundational training, or to recruit and train new volunteers to join your team.”
He continues: “If you are looking to reimagine or start new children or youth ministry this year, there are resources to help recruit new volunteers and opportunities to access training as individuals or as a team.
“One of the best ways we can serve our children and young people is to take the time to gain new knowledge and skills so we can create safe and engaging spaces where we can encounter God together.”
COURSES AND RESOURCES
Catalyst30k Training – starting February
The course is for anyone who would like further training in children and youth ministry people; new and experienced volunteers, paid workers, and those discerning a call to children's or youth ministry.
The course is delivered by Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and fully funded by the Church of England.
The course covers topics such as safeguarding, cultural awareness, working in groups, discipleship, self-knowledge, self-reflection, theology, biblical studies, play, informal learning, mission, and evangelism.
Running from February – November, including regional induction day, online learning platform (complete in your own time), monthly learning groups and a three-day residential conference.
Go to catalyst30k.org for more information, a course overview and registration.
Youthscape Essentials – 22 to 24 March
Youthscape Essentials is an innovative course for volunteers and paid youth leaders that increases your skills and understanding about working alongside young people today.
Whether you’re running a community project, a church youth group, or occasionally helping on a Sunday morning, the course is designed with you in mind.
We are running a residential version of Youthscape Essentials in partnership with URC East Midlands Synod. The course will take place at King’s Park conference centre from Friday 22 - Sunday 24 March.
For more info and bookings, visit the Eventbrite Page.
Do you need more volunteers with children and young people?
The Diocese of Leicester are part of an exciting new pilot, created by the Church of England, to recruit new volunteers to serve children and young people. We have been given early access to a suite of resources including, a short film to play in services, posters, social media slides and guidance on how to recruit and manage volunteers well.
All the resources can be accessed here. (The password is 30kProjectPilot).
If you are planning on running the campaign, or if you have any questions about the resources, please get in touch with Matt on Matt.Long@LeicesterCofE.org