2010: WISE UPThis conference looked at how our work and ministry with Youth and Children is informed by the Bible's view on wisdom.
We had morning talks from Ecclesiastes from Steve Midgely, minister of Christ Church Cambridge, and, guided by the emphasis in Scripture that we should listen to and respect the "grey-haired ones", we handed over our evening sessions to three senior ministers with a huge range of experience from the past: Jonathan Fletcher, John Benton and Dave Fenton.
Particular highlights for me are the seminars on Marriage and special needs by Steve Midgley, and the talks by Anne Benton on Families.
Opening Session
Wise Up: your youth and children's work – David Whitehouse
The main talks from Ecclesiastes:
Wise Up: stop pretending it all makes sense – Steve Midgley
Wise Up: learn the fear of the Lord – Steve Midgley
Wise Up: take some risks and live a little – Steve Midgley
A Wise Relationship with the Lord – Dave Fenton
Wise Relationships with family and friends – Jonathan Fletcher
Wise Relationships with those we work with – John Benton
SEMINARS
Being wise about marriage – Steve Midgley
A practical look at what we can do to protect and develop our marriages so that they can be effective for God.
Bible Explorer: Teaching the Bible in Primary Schools – Ruth Cross
Want to see primary children running excitedly to RE lessons as you bring the amazing events and characters of the Bible to life for them? Join us as we explain how Bible Explorer can help develop your story telling skills, while getting children excited about the Bible!
Keeping tweenagers – Mark Ashworth
A look at how to “grow your own” and see them not just “kept” but loving, serving and reaching others for Christ.
Evangelising children: the big picture – Thalia Blundell & Rory Bell
What does the Bible say about children and the gospel? Who should evangelise children and how should we do it?
The long haul – Dave Fenton
Is youth ministry a short-term stopgap in my career path or a life-long calling? Where do I go from here?
Preparing our children and young people for persecution (Part 1) – Trevor Pearce
Preparing our children and young people for persecution (Part 2) – Trevor Pearce
“The world dreams of progress, of power and the future, but the disciples meditate on the end, the last judgement and the coming kingdom. To such heights the world cannot rise. And so the disciples are strangers in the world, unwelcome guests and disturbers of the peace. No wonder the world rejects them." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Is he right? And if so, how can we prepare the next generation of young people to be strong enough to face being strangers, unwelcome guests and disturbers of the peace – in other words true disciples of Christ?
Supporting parents of teenagers – Ann Benton
Many parents wish they could fast-forward the teenage years. For some the relationship with their offspring is either silent or stormy. Worldly parental ambitions frequently compete with the deep seated desire of most Christian parents to see their children come through for Christ. How can youth workers be on-side with the parents of teenagers they work with?
The Sex-Factor Obsession – Jonathan Berry (True Freedom Trust)
Our young people are growing up in an increasingly sexualised culture, their moral framework informed more by the media than the Bible. How do we encourage them to see God not as killjoy but as the perfect giver of the gift of sex, and equip them to express their sexuality in a godly way?
Getting the message across to 3-11s – Sue Fearon & Helen Buckley
How can we communicate biblical truth to children aged 3-11 in ways which meet their learning needs? The session is highly practical, incorporating demonstrations of several popular methods and an opportunity to examine materials and ask questions. It will stimulate those who teach children regularly, introduce less experienced childrenʼs workers to a wide range of ideas and give ideas how all age talks can be delivered to reach younger children at the same time as adults/young people.
Young people in a consumer culture – John Benton
Business and the media have a vested interest in turning young people into fledgling materialists with an outlook of 'choose, buy and ownʼ. But such values are at odds with many of Christ's ways and do spiritual damage to your youth group. How can leaders both teach and model contentment instead of consumerism for the rising generation?
Homosexuality: Clarity and Compassion – Jonathan Berry (True Freedom Trust)
What hope does the gospel hold out to young people in our churches struggling with same-sex attraction or identifying as gay or lesbian? We'll explore the causes of homosexuality, take a look at what the Bible really says and consider some practical ways of caring pastorally for those who struggle.
Being wise about special needs – Steve Midgley
Reflecting on some of the ways churches can engage young people with disabilities.
Schools work – Ian Fry
This seminar will have two parts, so you can slip in and out for the part you're interested in.
Part 1—Starting Out in Schools Work. All that you need to know from contacting a school to what to offer.
Part 2—Developing a lesson Series. How to use a local "Agreed syllabus" and use the Bible in lessons.
One Day Wonders: Running one-off events for the whole family – Tamar Pollard & Tim Thornborough
Family events can be a great way to get to know the families of children in your groups. And also an opportunity for church families to invite friends and neighbours. Here are plenty of exciting suggestions and practical tips for a gospel-centred event for the whole family.
2009: LEADING QUESTIONS
Those of us who work with children and young people find ourselves in a leadership position with some unique challenges. We must lead vulnerable and impressionable children into a mature faith that they call their own. We lead armies of volunteer workers with training, pastoral and emotional needs of their own. And we are part of a leadership team in a church that can have its own distinctive challenges! How do we become the leaders that God wants us to be? 