Many Baptist churches are wrestling with the challenge of connecting with young people in our society. Christian young people live very much on the 'front line' of mission in their schools and colleges, and churches have a vital role to play in supporting and nurturing them through everyday life as they live out their faith.

Churches used to be at the centre of the community, but it is often the local school that now fulfils this function as most families in the area have some link with it. Schools and colleges are also the places where children and young people are to be found for much of the week, whereas the number coming into our churches regularly has generally diminished.

The Baptist Union’s Education Working Group developed a number of resources to help churches to support their local school or college. The series of Church and School files offers guidance for good practice, helpful resources, and stories to inspire and encourage you.

Other relevant articles and links are listed below.

 

Reaching the 'third audience' The impact of Christians going into schools can be far reaching and cross-generational – we shouldn't underestimate the potential of children to reach their parents

Working with our primary schools - The primary school is a place where community really meets – and where Christians can serve with integrity.

Why I belong to the Baptist Education Group - and why churches can engage with their local schools.

Time for a coffee with a head teacher - Fruitful involvement with your local school stems from understanding its ethos and how you can help

Mind the Gap The gap between non-churched children and the church seems to be getting wider - but are we really noticing? And how can we go about bridging it?

Collective responsibility for school assemblies - There have long been calls to reform the law on collective worship, but as long as it remains churches can help schools seeking to comply with it

 

The Baptist Education Group - The aim of the Baptist Education Group is to inform, encourage and support participation whether nationally through the Free Churches Education Committee or locally supporting members of SACREs or by helping churches build strategic relationships with their local schools

Children, Young People and Families (CYF) Round Table - Baptists exploring how we nurture faith in those children, young people and families whom God has put us next to

CYF events, links and resources