An “extra burst of energy, enthusiasm, and expertise” is now available to churches in the West Midlands thanks to the appointment of four young people aiming to re-energise children’s and youth work across the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church.
The Synod’s Growing Younger Project is focussed on developing work with children, young people and families across the region. The new team – Bertheli Dawson, Isaac Evans, Christine Ntim and Andrew Sedman – is key to how that mission will be rolled out.
Helen Laird, Children and Youth Development Officer for the URC’s West Midlands Synod, says the project has been designed to be “flexible and responsive to the needs of local churches. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, churches can apply for support from the Growing Younger team for a new or existing project, with the number of hours and length of involvement agreed together. Some projects may need just a few weeks of focused input, while others may benefit from support over a longer period.”
The young people will work collaboratively as a team, usually in pairs, which will enable them to support several churches and projects at the same time. “This means that the expertise and experience of the team can be shared across the Synod, while keeping the focus firmly on the needs and hopes of each individual church.”
“We hope the project will result in churches that are genuinely growing younger”
West Midlands Synod is already seeing exciting possibilities in this approach. The team can help churches to explore new ideas, build confidence among volunteers, develop activities and programmes, strengthen links with schools and the wider community, and think creatively about how children and young people can become a valued and active part of church life.
This is an exciting and ambitious project for the West Midlands Synod, Helen says.
“Sometimes a church needs someone to come alongside them, ask some helpful questions, bring fresh ideas and energy, or simply help them take the next step. The Growing Younger Project is providing that opportunity.” She says the Synod is looking forward to seeing what happens “as we join in God’s mission” in whatever way local churches need.
As fresh avenues are explored, Helen says: “Our hope is that the project will not simply result in more activities for younger people, but in churches that are genuinely growing younger – places where children and young people are welcomed, listened to, valued and able to play a full part in the life of the church.”
Photo by Isaac Irvine