Are you a researcher with an interest in young people / faith / youth work? We're launching our Research Community on 16.9.24. Register your interest here youthscape.typeform.com/to/RlcvwvW2

Coaching others is a form of servant leadership - because you are shifting from a mindset of me to you - Ken Blanchard. Are you serving those you lead? Is your focus on their development? Are you creating people in your image or equipping them to be who God has called them to be?

If you are in the north west, be great to see you for 'Seeing a Generation Through' hosted by Rachel Gardner with input from me :) Do join us if you can!

We're THRILLED to announce that the 2024 Growing Faith Research Digest is out now! The amazing Emma Coy from Diocese of Guildford has done a fantastic job of summarising the findings from this year's Growing Faith research projects. Check it out here: churchofengland.org/sites/default/…

In the midst of the challenges of ministry, always helpful to remember this!

50% in salaried ministry < 5 years. 30% wouldn't be able to stay in ministry (most mentioned reasons 'pay' and 'stress'). BUT, 74% would stay in ministry until retirement if they could. The church needs recognise vocational calling to children's, youth and family ministry!

"I found myself in debt, relying on my flat mate to buy me food and clothes . . . " Read the rest of the quote in the picture. It shouldn't be this way!

"I'm leaving a job I love because of burnout. When I have talked about my work load or pressure I feel I didn't get taken seriously, "It's only work with little ones . . . " I don't feel like the church trains vicars to manage well." It shouldn't be this way!

"No one who manages me has training, and it shows." or "The chair of the PCC is a JNC qualified youth worker." There is such a lack of consistency!

"Currently have a 3 year role and I'm assuming my post will end when the funding runs out." Posts need to be secured for at least seven years, 3 years is not enough - it doesn't demonstrate a long term commitment to youth and children's ministry or those we employ to lead it.

This is why Paraklesis exists!

Check out what you get for membership! Why not join today?

The hope? 1. Children's, youth and families ministers are supported and equipped to flourish in ministry. 2. That through the Association's advocacy we might see a cultural change in the church that enables those with a life long calling to pursue it. Join today!

our children's, youth and family ministry is central to our church's provision, receiving our prayerful support at all times - Paraklesis Charter. This is KEY - vision and provision for CYF ministry go together, and both need prayerful support!

we believe in the biblical principle of sabbath rest each week. As those involved in ministry are often working at weekends, there needs to be time set aside during the week - Paraklesis Charter. I'm about to head off for some rest . . . . back from 12th August ) #rest #sabbath

taking time to think, pray and practice theological reflection is an essential part of being a healthy and effective children's, youth, family minister - Paraklesis Charter. Such an important discipline - take time to think, process, learn & develop as a reflective practitioner.

learning the skills for ministry is an ongoing process and it is important to invest in professional and personal development - Paraklesis Charter. We never arrive, there is always more to discover - that is why we offer CPD for Associate Members!

we believe that we are all involved in the work of building faith with children, young people and families - it takes all of us - Paraklesis Charter. One employed CYF minister isn't enough, the whole church needs to get stuck in!

we believe we should be excellent in our practice of employment. We will do all we can to provide an environment where our people can flourish - Paraklesis Charter. Good pay, terms and conditions and GREAT line management make all the difference!

we believe it is important to recognise and celebrate the important work that is being undertaken with our children, young people and families - Paraklesis Charter. Maybe, when you start back in September will be a GREAT time to acknowledge and thank team for their commitment.