SCHOOLS’ MINISTRY: GENERAL

Schools’ ministry as mission

(Nick Shepherd, Grove Booklets)

2015 conference recommendation by Rachel Morfin & Katy Hall

Many aspects of schools’ ministry originated in mission, but in the current climate it is not clear how this heritage can be regained. This study suggests that the demonstration of Christian values lived out in the school as community, dialogue in the school as educational institution, and discernment in the school as a place of influence can form a vital element of mission alongside the work of the local church.

Top tips on developing partnerships between churches and schools 

(Alan Charter and Gill Marchant, Scripture Union)

2011 conference recommendation by Margaret Lilley

This book encourages churches to build relationships with their local school. There are lots of opportunities for churches to get involved in working with voluntary agencies to provide breakfast clubs, preparing to make the transition to secondary school, after school clubs, parenting classes, as well as more traditional links such as being a governor, taking assemblies, helping in the classroom.

Local church, local school 

(Margaret Withers, Barnabas)

This book examines the potential for churches to be able to help meet the spiritual needs of their local primary schools with full understanding of legal and educational requirements. Starting from a theological basis, the book moves on to examine how sustainable relationships can be built and how schools can make best use of the wide range of resources that the church can offer. The material is interlaced with stories from individuals and organizations already involved in their local schools, and includes many practical examples of best practice.

Pray for Schools 

A partnership between CARE, Youth for Christ, Scripture Union, New Generation, Association of Christian Teachers and Churches Together England. With a vision that every school in the UK should become a prayed for school.Through meeting as a group, holding prayer events during the year, or even praying on your own, you can be involved in making a reality the vision of every UK school becoming a prayed-for school.

TLG the education charity

An early intervention programme supporting children struggling with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Transforming Governing

An organisation with a vision to enable and grow a movement of Christians who are or could become school governors in England and equip them to be more effective and contribute usefully to the life of local primary and secondary education. This is being achieved by providing regular and inspiring information for those who join the movement and by undertaking a programme of events around the country to inspire, train and equip governors and potential governors.

How can your church support your local school?

(Rachel Morfin, 2014 conference)

Why get involved in local educational issues? As behavioural difficulties with children and young people rise, the difference that churches can make by engaging with their local schools is increasing.

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