Training
Our training strategy is designed to equip and support all those involved in Children, Youth and Families (CYF) ministry - clergy, lay leaders, volunteers, parents and carers – through the provision of practical training, mentoring and resources. We aim to build confidence, deepen discipleship and inspire creative ways to engage with children, young people and their families.
We want to see churches where children and young people don’t just attend, but truly belong – where families grow together in faith and where every community reflects the hope and joy of God’s Kingdom. By equipping and supporting leaders and volunteers, we believe we can help make this vision a reality.
Children’s Ministry Essentials
- Who is it for? Anyone volunteering or working with children aged 0-11 in the church or the wider community
- How long is the course? 10 x 1.5 hour sessions
- Course delivery: Online, in-person or hybrid
The CMN Children’s Ministry Essentials Course is a fresh and exciting resource for children’s ministry, aimed at anyone volunteering or working with children in the church or the wider community - especially those who want to grow in confidence, knowledge and ability.
Across this practical and inspiring course, you’ll explore the foundations of children’s faith formation, discover effective ways to plan and lead sessions, learn how to nurture volunteers, and gain tools for creating a safe, welcoming environment for every child. Grounded in research and shaped by real ministry experience, the course combines big-picture thinking with hands-on ideas you can use straight away. Watch an introductory video here or below to get a feel for what the course is like and why it’s such a valuable tool for children’s ministry.
The course is run locally by your Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team. Whether you prefer to meet in person, learn online, or do a mix of both, CME is flexible and designed to fit your context.
The course consists of ten sessions, each around 1 hour 30 minutes and includes films and rich content. Topics covered include:
- The world of the child
- The developing child
- Biblical perspectives on children
- The role of play in faith formation
- Creating space for children in our church communities
- Inclusion
- Participation
- Contexts of mission and ministry with children
- Pastoral care
- Leadership and teamwork
Whether you’re new to children’s ministry or looking to deepen your impact, this course will support and encourage you every step of the way. Plus, upon completing all ten modules, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from the Children’s Ministry Network/Churches Together in Britain & Ireland.
Contact your Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team to register or to find out more.
Youthscape Essentials
- Who is it for? Anyone volunteering or working with young people aged 11-18 in the church or the wider community
- How long is the course? 10 x 2 hour sessions
- Course delivery: Online, in-person or hybrid
The Youthscape Essentials course is an inspiring and practical resource for anyone volunteering with young people - in church youth groups, community projects, or other settings. Whether you’re just starting out or already serving young people regularly, this course helps you grow in confidence, insight and practical skill.
Over ten sessions, you’ll explore 30 key topics, all carefully structured around three core themes: Insights into young people, Skills for youth work, and Developing character. This means you’ll hear from young people, learn from experienced practitioners, put ideas into practice and reflect on your own faith journey. Find out more about the training here.
The course is grounded in current research and shaped by the voices of young people themselves. It’s been developed by skilled youth ministry practitioners who understand what it really takes to walk alongside today’s young generation. Watch a short, introductory video here or below to get a feel for what the course is like and why it’s such great training for youth ministry.
Your Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team will be facilitating this course locally, providing trusted support and helping you bring the material to life in a way that fits your church context.
The course is flexible in format - it can be run in person, online or as a hybrid, depending on what works best for your group.
Each session typically runs for around two hours, combining teaching, discussion, practical exercises, and space for reflection. Why not begin with food, fellowship and a warm welcome, making it as relational as it is educational.
Some of the subject areas covered include:
- How young people think, act, and live in today’s culture
- Key youth-work skills like leading sessions, managing behaviour, and working as a team
- Personal and spiritual character development, covering topics such as adolescent development, relationships, mental health, mission and faith
Whether you’re a brand-new volunteer or someone looking to deepen how you serve young people, Youthscape Essentials offers a solid foundation and ongoing encouragement. Our Diocesan Children, Youth and Families Team will journey with you, helping you reflect on learning, build your leadership and grow in your youth ministry calling.
Contact your Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team to register or to find out more and discover how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Youthscape Launchpad
- Who is it for? Incumbents with churches with little or no presence of young people aged 11-18.
- How long is the course? 5 x 2.5 hour sessions over lunch
- Course delivery: In-person
Youthscape Launchpad is a practical, hopeful, and strategic programme designed to help churches begin or grow youth work – even when resources, people, or prior youth provision are limited. Watch an introductory video here or below.
It’s especially for church leaders – whether or not you’ll be directly running youth activities – who want to take the first steps in thinking through a vision for youth ministry. Through Launchpad, you’ll gain insight, strategy and confidence to help your church engage meaningfully with young people.
The course is the Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team, in partnership with Youthscape. This means it’s tailored to your local context and supported by trusted, experienced mentors.
What’s involved?
- Launchpad usually runs over five two-hour sessions, blending expert teaching, real case studies and practical exercises.
- You’ll explore youth culture, different models of youth work, how to recruit and build a team of volunteers and how to develop a realistic strategy for your church.
- The final session includes a wider church conversation – encouraging the broader congregation to engage with your vision.
Why it makes a difference
By the end of Launchpad, you should feel more able to:
- Imagine what youth ministry could look like in your church.
- Identify the people, gifts, and resources already in your congregation.
- Build a clear plan for how to start or grow youth work in a way that fits your unique church context.
- Speak confidently about youth ministry with other church leaders and your wider congregation.
In some areas, more than 70% of parishes that completed Launchpad now have some form of youth provision where there was none before.
What others say
“I found the course really helpful and encouraging. It makes you reflect on what you’ve got and not what you don’t have. This course is so interactive, with so many opportunities for really good conversations.” Rev. Chris Spencer
“I was particularly struck by hearing from a number of those who had participated in the programme. They consistently spoke of the new vision, confidence and deep encouragement Youthscape had brought to their ministries. Rt Revd Dr Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Portsmouth.
How to get involved
Contact your Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Team to register or to find out more and discover how you can explore putting youth ministry on the map in your church.