This Volunteers Week, we are celebrating some of the important work done by amazing volunteers in our churches, and today we are looking at the great work done by volunteers to run children’s and youth ministry.
People in churches all across the diocese volunteer their time and energy to engage, nurture and disciple children, young people and families, helping to put them at the heart of the church and grow faith.
Anna Brian volunteers in the parish of Sandal Magna, and has shared about her experiences working with children and young people.
Anna writes: “I volunteer at my local church helping with the children's group on a Sunday morning.
“I am part of a team of volunteers which means we don't volunteer every Sunday, but also ensures we can have at least three DBS checked and safe guarded trained adults helping to lead each children's group.
“I help provide a safe space for the children to explore, learn, question, think about God's love.
“We do this through storytelling in an engaging and imaginative way, discussions and sharing, worship, prayer, creative play and crafts which are age appropriate, all of which we do in the hope that it will encourage the children to be confident in God's love for them during their faith journey.
“Many aspects of delivering God's word to the children at church brings much joy.
“I sometimes have to do the preparation for a session, and I find researching the theme can be enlightening to me and also challenging to try to make it come to life and interesting for the children.
“I do feel my faith grows with such challenges.
“During leading the group, the discussions and questions section is probably my favourite bit, as I am frequently astounded at some of the wise and refreshingly thoughtful responses we get from our young children.
“The fact that I can serve our Lord by helping to plant the seeds of his love is probably my greatest joy.
“I wished I’d know when I started that it's ok not to know all the answers, and that being honest about I how I mess up at times with the way I feel and think helps children to realise that it's ok when they struggle with their thoughts and emotions, and that God will love them whatever.
“We are all perfectly imperfect!”
The diocese is incredibly grateful to all who take part in this essential mission and ministry work, and wants to resource and support all parishes in it.
Our Children, Young People and Families Team are here to work with all people in this field with guidance, resources, training and more.
Please click here to find out more.
If you are interested in knowing more about what it means to be a volunteer with children and young people, and what might be required in the role, please contact our team at childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.