Ministry among children, families and young people has never been more of a priority for the Church of England.
Those who work in this area are vital for creating new connections with younger generations and their families, helping them to meet with Jesus and building bridges between them and the older generations already in our churches - so that people of all ages can find their place in the body of Christ.
It is therefore often a creative ministry with lots of scope for experimentation and new ways of being Church.
Whether you’re new to this role, or have been in post for some time, there are some diocesan support services to help:
If you are new in post
Contact your diocesan enablers
The diocesan Mission Enablers for Youth and Children and Families would really welcome a conversation, so please do get in touch:
For youth ministry For children and families ministry
Alastair Etheridge Emma Coy
You will also need to have an up-to-date DBS check and be up to date with your Safeguarding training.
Foundations in Ministry (FiM) - Mondays
If you’ve been recently appointed into a first position of ministry within your parish, whether employed or voluntary, we would love to welcome you to study with us on a programme called 'Foundations in Ministry' (FiM), taking place weekly on Mondays from September - July. Formerly known as 'First Timers', this course aims to cover the basics that a professional church leader should know - particularly in areas of Children, Families, and Youth Ministry - such as theology, how to structure your work, practical skills, site visits around the diocese, and many other things (see below for details). Some students are ‘career changers’ who come in as professional workers having done something else first; others are just starting out in ministry, such as those taking a year out (e.g. either between A Levels and university or after university, perhaps undertaking a trainee or discipleship year). Others are serving as volunteers but are keen to learn more. All are welcome!
We also invite those unable to commit to the whole course to join us for individual sessions. This year we are particularly encouraging those who are already in post, and may have previously completed the course, to come back for some of the afternoon theology sessions which have been recently introduced.
We meet primarily in-person on Mondays, from 9:30am to 2:30pm, at Emmanuel Church, Stoughton, although some sessions may take place at other venues or online. Any alternative location will be communicated to all students in advance.
The first hour will focus on worship and community for those studying together and typically aim to help students understand how to be disciples of Jesus and further explore their calling. The rest of the day will be classroom-based with practical activities and include a skills session in the morning followed by theology teaching in the afternoon.
For 2025/2026, FiM - Mondays will start back on Monday 8th September.
To enquire about the course, or to book a place for yourself or someone on your team, contact Emma Coy, or phone 01483 484910.
Course programme 2025/2026
Please see the provisional programme for FiM - Mondays 2025/26 here. You can expect the course to cover the following and more:
-
Practical skills for planning and running great sessions, incl. the 6Ws, 5Cs, behaviour management, preaching and public speaking to different contexts, understanding spiritual styles, Faithful Generation principles, vision and strategy, understanding leadership styles, self-leadership, and recruiting volunteers
-
Theology - the Trinity, creation and fall, exodus and wilderness, apocalypse, Jesus and the kingdom of God, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, recreation, grace, Jesus and leadership, psalms & wisdom, Romans, the Church, understanding the CofE, baptism/communion/confirmation, the end of the world, salvation/redemption, the gospel in 5 stories
- Topics such as accessible church, racial awareness, sexuality, mental health, social justice, social media, child & adolescent development, intergenerational theory, generation theory, schools work
Assessment is by two written assignments and one presentation, each of which will be discussed throughout the course. We expect students to set aside time for reading and reflection during the course. Set books will be discussed during the sessions. Students are also expected to lead opening worship on a rota basis.
Term dates
Autumn 2025/26
- Monday 8th September - Monday 15th December
- 2 weeks' break for half term: No sessions on 27th October or 3rd November
Spring 2025/26
- Monday 12th January - Monday 23rd March
- 1 week break for half term: No session 16th February
Summer 2025/26
- Monday 20th April - Monday 13th July
- Bank holiday: No session 4th May
- 1 week break for half term: No session 25th May
Is there any flexibility in how I can access the course?
Yes! If the September start doesn't work for you, it may be possible to join the course at the beginning of another term or half term. It is also possible to join in with some individual sessions for those who are interested in some of the topics but are unable to commit to the whole course. This year we are particularly encouraging those who are already in post, and may have previously completed the course, to come back for some of the afternoon theology sessions which have been recently introduced.
What does the course cost?
The cost is £180 per term for the whole course or £15 per session for individual sessions. The 'theology top-up' sessions cost £40 per term or £8 for individual sessions.
Who are the tutors?
The course is tutored by Emma Coy - Mission Enabler for Children & Familes, and Jamie Walker - Youth Catalyst Worship & Mission Team Lead, with speakers drawn in to teach on various specialist topics throughout the course.
Feedback
"I am amazed at the detail, quality and relevance of the content."
"I feel I have a great grounding for pretty much everything that I will be facing in my role and if there are any gaps in the future I know I can ask."
"I think the course is fab."
"It's a lovely introduction to children's ministry. The course tutors are lovely and they take you through all the topics that you might need to know when starting to work with children."
"I feel more confident and equipped in my ministry going forward. The content covered is both practically and theologically sound."
"I couldn't recommend this course more, it's amazing and overflowing with knowledge, advice, practical things to implement and opens your eyes to everything you didn't know you needed to know. E&A are incredible facilitators, it has improved my ministry, faith and life enormously."
"It helps you build a good clear foundation, including good practice about all aspects of working within a 'faith' setting whilst also developing and exploring your faith."
"I understand that I am equipped for a battle for young people, God has really spoke to me this year throughout the course."
"X has come back with good ideas that shape how we do things as a church."
"X really enjoyed and benefited from the course."
"It has equipped and encouraged X in her calling and her work here."
"Overall the breadth of content was extremely helpful and thought provoking with regards our youth ministry streams."
"The variety of areas covered and the depth of reflection and learning has been really helpful. She is raring to go with her big ideas now which is very exciting."
"Excellent value all round."
"It has helped X to grow in confidence and have some specific training for the role."
"I think she herself would acknowledge just how much the course and role have brought her 'gifts' she didn't anticipate."
"Her confidence and her ability to think wider especially have grown."
"It has been lovely to see her flourish but also watching her grow in her ability to reflect on what we are doing in the parish."
"The course has given her confidence and helped her to look at a wide range of subjects giving her time to explore ideas and meet people with similar roles."
"I'd recommend it."
"An excellent, rounded, programme where attendees are given space to think and grow, to build confidence through shared learning and peer support, with practical 'hands on' and reflective theological input and wide ranging input from a raft of experienced practitioners all contributing to a powerful and meaningful experience for the First Timers. Sign your First Timers up asap."
"A really valuable course and worth the investment for anyone new to Children and Youth work."
"It has been a hugely positive experience for my First Timers."
Quick links
All Children, Families and Youth Workers may find these links helpful:
- Ideas for mission among children, families and young people are offered in the Mission pages of the site.
- The Safeguarding pages will be really key for you, so become familiar with all of this information.
- Explore what support is available for growing new worshipping communities in the Diocese of Guildford, and how sports activities and clubs can be an especially effective way of connecting with young people.
Keeping in touch
All parish officers are encouraged to sign up for the diocesan regular emailed newsletter to keep in touch with all that’s happening across the diocese.