Training and Events Diary
2023
17 November - ODBF Space Makers - St Mary's Convent, Wantage - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
2024
6 January - Authorise Preachers Intergen - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
23-25 January - DEPTH Retreat - for those employed in children, young people and family ministry - Douai Abbey, Woolhampton - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
31 January - ODBE Space Makers - Saltau Centre, Maidenhead - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
7 March - ODBF Space Makers - St Katherine's, Parmoor - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
16 March - Heart to Heart (Training and Commissioning Day) - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
25 April - ODBE Space Makers - Warwick Hall, Burford - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
15 June - Heart to Heart (Training and Commissioning Day) - venue T.B.C. - to register an interest contact Bev Higgs
19 June - ODBF Space Makers - Douai Abbey, Woolhampton - 8.45am-3.30pm - to book click here
12-14 July - YELLOW BRACES 2024 - Adventure Plus, Clanfield, Oxon - to book click here
5 September - Induction Day for Children, Young People and Family Ministers newly employed within the last 12 months - to book click here
Subscribe to Generations
Our monthly newsletter for children, young people and family ministry and the best way to keep up to date with all the news and opportunities.
Imagine a church that recognises the calling some have to specifically minister with children, young people and families.
Our vision is that all who minister with children, young people and families are valued, equipped and supported, whatever your ministry looks like - whether you volunteer your time or are employed in your role, this page is for you. You will find information and links to things that are designed and offered to equip and enable.
Our vision is set out in Disciples Together, where under Cultural Shift four we 'imagine a church that recognises the calling some have to specifically minister with children, young people and families.’ We are moving towards being;
"A church that invests in and actively pursues excellence for children, young people and family ministry team members in how they are formed, recruited, trained and supported."
Disciples Together p.17
Spiritual development
Your own spiritual nurture is of paramount importance as you spiritually accompany children and young people.
Personal Discipleship Plans are an invitation to have a spiritual conversation with an encourager who will ask a series of open questions and who will listen carefully to you your responses, helping you to notice where God is at work and discern God’s voice in your calling and ministry. Contact Bev Higgs requesting a PDP.
Contemplative Toolkit(s) and training
Contemplative Toolkits are our way of supporting the spiritual nurture of children and young people through easy access contemplative practices in schools, at home and in church groups and worship. The core practices of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending and Blessing are developed from mainly Ignatian Spiritual practices.
Take a look at Space Makers: The Contemplative Toolkit for Schools and Churches, and enjoy this sneaky peak of the Noticing exercise in the forthcoming Contemplative Toolkit for Families.
Oxfordshire Godly Play Network
All are welcome to join Godly Practitioners who meet a few times a year. Please contact group coordinator Carol Carter.
Learning opportunities
Various courses for any interested learner are available through Oxford Diocese Lifelong Learning programme.
Other sources of training and development
- Messy Church
- Aurora Youth & Children’s Ministry Course (from Sheffield Diocese)
- Youthscape Youth work/ministry Online Confidence and Skills Course
- CYM
- St Padarn’s MA for Children, Young People and Family Specialists
- National Youth Ministry Weekend
Consultancy, mentoring, support and bespoke training
There are a team of Discipleship Enablers attached to each of the Archdeaconries. They also hold specialisms across youth work and ministry, children’s and family ministry, and partnership with schools. They would be delighted to hear from you.
Yvonne Morris
Oxford/Dorchester and Children & Family specialist
Kathryn Aboud
Berkshire and Young People specialist
James Wood
Buckingham and Schools specialist