Support Children and Young Adults in their Discipleship Journey with Jesus
Growing a church is not simply about welcoming more people.
It's about becoming a community where people of every age can encounter God, belong and flourish.
When children and young people are at the heart of our vision, the whole Church is strengthened. Their presence brings energy, honesty, creativity and hope. Their needs and their gifts remind us of our calling to be a genuinely intergenerational body, where faith is shared, lived and passed on.
This page is for churches who want to grow with intention. Whether you already recognise the importance of children's and youth ministry or are just beginning to explore it, here you will find guidance, ideas and tools to help you shape growth strategy that includes, and prioritises, the youngest members of your community.
We offer insights into:
- what helps families feel welcome
- how intergenerational worship can deepen discipleship for everyone
- how to build ministries that are safe, sustainable and rooted in the realities of today's childhood and adolescence.
You'll also find examples of good practice, training opportunities and ways to connect with others who are on the same journey. A church that grows with children and young people in mind becomes a church that grows in faith, depth and mission. This is your starting point for imagining and building that future.
Volunteers
Whether you are already running a children’s or youth group or just beginning to explore that, your role in the faith formation of children and young people matters deeply. Volunteers are at the heart of our ministry: you create safe spaces, nurture belonging, open Scripture and help young people discover what it means to follow Christ in their own lives.
This page is designed to encourage you in the work you are already doing and to equip you for what comes next. Here you’ll find resources, training and practical guidance that reflect both the wisdom of our Methodist heritage and the evolving needs of today’s children and young people.
We want to help you grow in confidence, refresh traditional patterns of ministry and stay connected to the best thinking and practice in children's and youth work. Whether you're looking for ideas, support or a place to keep learning, this is your hub. You don't have to do this alone: we're here to help you lead well, serve faithfully and create spaces where young people can encounter God with joy and curiosity.
Resources:
- Structured Learning Pathways – Ready to take the next step? Follow our learning pathways to develop your skills.
- The Well Learning Hub – Find learning resources and seminars all focused on children and youth ministry.
- Safeguarding – Safeguarding is a vital part of the ministry with children, young people and families.
Children, Youth and Family workers or ministers
Children's and youth ministry is a vital part of the Church’s calling.
Everyone needed in this capacity, whether as employed workers, ordained ministers, or volunteers and strategic roles, carry a responsibility that is both joyful and demanding. You shape the environments where young people encounter God, you hold the vision for discipleship across ages and you help your church navigate the changing landscape of childhood, adolescence and family life.
This page is here to support you in that work. Whether you're newly appointed, stepping into children, young people and family ministry oversight as part of your wider ministry, or bringing years of experience to the role, you will find opportunities to connect with peers, access professional training and stay informed about. Best practice.
We recognise that some leaders feel confident and resourced, while others feel they have inherited children, young people and family ministry responsibilities without the preparation they hoped for – and we are committed to equipping you wherever you are starting from.
Here you will find:
- guidance for strategic planning
- theological reflection
- safeguarding
- team development
- networks and events for learning from others across the Connexion.
Don't carry this work alone. This is a place to grow, to be supported and to strengthen your ministry with children, young people and families.
Resources
- I’m new in my role – New and don’t know where to start? Here are tips and support for you.
- Learning Pathways – No matter if you are new or experienced, there's always opportunity for personal development. Here are your learning pathways.
- The Well Learning Hub – Seminars, information, support and help around children, young people and families.
- The Well Circuit Community – The network for Children, Youth and Family Workers and your space for professional exchange and mutual support.
- Agents of Change – Helping local churches and circuits to recognise children, young people and young adults as active disciples.
- District Ambassadors – Summary text needed here.