YoungLIFE

‘There’s nothing better anyone can do with their life than to become a follower of Jesus Christ’

The Need….

What we know…. 162,000 0-11’s in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 11,468 attend Church primary schools 150,532 attend LA and Academy (not faith) schools Nationally 90% do not attend church schools 65% of churches in the diocese have 5 or less under 11’s on a Sunday

From Anecdote to Evidence Growth is found where there is a high ratio of children to adults. Churches which offer programmes for children and teenagers are more likely to grow. Three quarters of churches that offer retreats, conferences or camps for children and young people report growth, against half among those who do not.

Age at coming to faith Under 5 years 40% 5-10 years 16%

Age when leaving faith Under 10 years 4% 11–18 years 34%

Rooted in the Church www. churchofengland Rooted in the Church www.churchofengland.org/media/3775547/rooted-in-the-church-summary-report-nov-2016.pdf For young people, the most important atttribute of a church should be that it is friendly and non-judgemental Young people value age-specific leadership and activities; they do not want to always be artificially separated from the rest of the church Young people seek to be treated as equal members of the church with meaningful roles Many respondents emphasised the importance of intergenerational ministry

Sunday challenges… Only 15% of children do Sunday morning sport Patterns in Sunday activities and family life are changing Not all children have choice in where they go Weekend access to non-custodial/shared custody parent (up to 40%) If the quality is good enough it will attract

When I was 7 I lived with... My hope was... I spent money on... My favourite TV/Radio programme was... The Prime Minister’s name was... I spent my time doing…

Church as a child

Step-Change Video – Sunday Best https://wetransfer.com/downloads/d61313404df03fd0cbc217d54ed4971820180926083227/831ff46aaa56151d9d4549a4d0538b4d20180926083227/ecb740

People of faith

Step change – one account

Step change – Defining reality… Numbers of children 0-11 had remained constant Finding volunteers was an ongoing challenge Children’s worker 2 days per week maintaining present activity Losing most boys 9+ staying connected 900 0-11’s living within 2 miles of the church

Step change – Defining reality… (2) Good partnership with local CofE primary school, plus 3 other schools with primary-age children When we held annual holiday club it was booked within 48 hours Precedence of the ‘main service’ over children’s ministry Accepting we could do better

Step change – Create Vision… Brought together a ‘working group’ to shape a fresh vision for children’s ministry Went to look at other examples of ‘excellence’

Step change – Create Vision… (2) Thinking the unthinkable: - What if every week was as popular and engaging as Holiday Club? - What if the programme was as accessible to unchurched children? - What if the core team was committed to being present every week? - What if Sunday became the best hour of every child‘s week?

Step change – Build Coalition Lots of one-to-one conversations 12 month process shaping a proposal for the PCC Preparing a budget Looking at our facilities / buildings

Step change – Build Coalition…. (2) Reviewing other services and activities Bringing together a team Preparing a communication strategy Strong launch

Step change – What Happened? Every Sunday (except first Sunday) Children go straight to the group 10.30-11.45 Action Stations Large Group Time and Small Group Time

Step change – What Happened? Video - step-change https://wetransfer.com/downloads/447ae7537effdcc2ea5d81b96f6bc4e620180926113005/e0faa13ee8afec39fc2dc6eafbd9246b20180926113005/f11f1c

What are your… Open doors Growth engines Big, bold dreams

Step-Change - Could you… Define reality? Create vision? Build coalition?

Next steps… For the 21 churches: Share the vision with your church Make an application via the website In-depth evenings for a range of people from your church Continued support and participation

Next steps… For all churches: Share the vision with your church Consider how you can move forward Access Big E Day and other training Continued support and participation

Questions and Comments

AWEsome God

YoungLIFE