Helen Attree, Badger, Sam Andrews, Keri Robinson, Sian Morgan, Claire Soar and Ruth Wharton
As more children, youth and families’ workers have been recruited in the diocese over the last few years, the diocesan Programme Lead for Children and Young People, Simon Hill, has created a Children, Youth and Families Ministry Network for paid workers.
One of our diocesan priorities up to 2030 is to double the number of children and young people worshipping in our churches so that we have at least one church with a flourishing young peoples’ ministry in each major area of population, and two such churches in each deanery. Many of these roles are funded at least in part thanks to Healthier Churches Funding, and in some cases, the national church.
Simon Hill said: “A number of paid children and young people’s workers have been recruited in the diocese in recent years who all have very similar roles but are operating in slightly different contexts.”
“Every few months I organise a catch up for them all and we also hold a couple of retreat days per year including one with an overnight stay.”
“Most of these workers are the only paid children, youth and families workers in their location so the main idea of this network is to help them feel more connected and well-supported and provide them with opportunities to come together and gain insights as to what might work well in their own contexts, as they all look to bring more families and young people into the church community.”
Simon added: “These network meetings also give me a chance to explain where we’re trying to get to as a diocese and suggest relevant talks and training that they may find helpful.”
As well as face to face meetups, the network has a WhatsApp group for anyone looking for suggestions, advice or to share their own recommendations when they’ve found a new resource.
The most recent network meeting was held on Wednesday 12 February at the diocesan office in Worcester. Those attending discussed how the network has been most beneficial to them.
All agreed it’s provides a great way to share ideas, experiences and useful resources. Helen from The Chase team in Malvern also confirmed that attending online national training and then having the opportunity to discuss it as a group afterwards had been most helpful for her.
Several others highlighted the fellowship and sense of being part of a wider team that the network provides.
Keri, Children and Families worker at St Michael's Church in Norton said: “This network has been just brilliant for me. When you work on your own, it’s good to connect with others doing a similar job to get support and inspiration.”
Nathan, from the Malvern Chase team agreed: “It’s nice to have peers and feel there are other people around you. It also helps to hear how others in the network have found solutions to the challenges they have faced.”
Charles from Holy Trinity, Old Hill added “Being part of this network helps remind you that even though you’re doing the same things with the same children, God is still working in and through that. It’s also great to hear what God is doing elsewhere in the diocese. It gives you the encouragement and confidence to try out new ideas.”
Everyone present agreed that the annual retreat is a welcome fixture in the network’s calendar. It was described as “very refreshing” by those present who also highlighted the hospitality, spiritual connection and the camaraderie enjoyed with the rest of the network.
If your church wants to explore employing a children and families’ worker, please contact Simon Hill who will be happy to advise you further. Simon's email is: shill@cofe-worcester.org.uk.
