Last week, a group of clergy gathered at the Ravensworth Arms in Lamesley for a celebration event, to mark their completion of the Launchpad programme, designed by national Christian youth work charity, Youthscape.
Sadly, only one quarter of churches in the UK have youth work during a Sunday service or activities aimed at young people midweek. Launchpad is Youthscape’s answer to this challenge. Developed and piloted with churches in the Dioceses of London, St. Alban’s and Blackburn, the programme is now running across a total of twelve different Church of England dioceses and aims to give church leaders the insights, strategies and confidence they need to welcome young people into their churches, creating safe spaces where they can explore and grow in faith.
Following a briefing event in March, a group of seven priests from across the Diocese decided they would like to take part in the programme. During May and June, this first cohort met fortnightly for five sessions which were facilitated by our Diocesan Growing Younger team. One-to-one support and a parish visit were also included.
Each priest entered the programme from a unique local context. Some sought to build on existing success in children’s ministry to develop youth engagement, while others aimed to better connect with the few teenagers already attending church services. A further group took a more foundational step, seeking to establish outreach to young people in their communities where no teenagers were currently part of the congregation.
By the end of the programme, each participant felt they had gained a valuable insight into the lives of young people and had grown in confidence.
During the celebration event, strategies were beginning to emerge which participants shared with each other before being presented with certificates by Bishop Sarah.
Ideas included a wide variety of ideas, including pizza nights, junior choirs, theatre groups and Youth Alpha. All of which will create brilliant opportunities to connect with young people from the local community and to share faith with them during their time together.
The Revd Teresa Walton, Holy Trinity Church, Washington, said: “Launchpad has enabled us to place youth work as a priority for our church development plan. Youth work is now on the agenda of every PCC meeting and there is a real sense of optimism within the congregation and PCC.
“The young people we have at church are excited and hopeful for future developments and are considering becoming leaders on these new initiatives. ”
Kathryn Belmont, Growing Younger Strategic Lead, said: “It has been a privilege to meet regularly with such a wonderful group of clergy as part of our first Launchpad cohort in Durham Diocese.
“The time together - building relationships, learning from one other and sharing wisdom has been invaluable. Launchpad has provided the church leaders with the time and space to reflect, pray and think creatively about youth ministry.
“The emerging plans for starting and developing youth work in each unique context are genuinely exciting. Our hope is that our churches are places of genuine welcome – communities that embrace young people with open arms and walk alongside them as they ask life’s big questions and explore the Christian faith. We are so grateful to this group of clergy for making this vital ministry a priority.”
The Diocese is looking forward to facilitating further Launchpad cohorts in the near future. Contact Kathryn Belmont to find out more.
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