Victorian beach mission

Our history

Scripture Union started in 1867 with one individual who saw an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with children and young people

Written in the sand

Josiah Spiers

In June 1867 Josiah Spiers spoke to 15 children in a drawing room in Islington, London, pioneering a new approach to sharing Jesus with children.

These meetings grew rapidly and soon the Children’s Special Service Mission was formed, later becoming Scripture Union. The following year, Spiers went on holiday to Llandudno in North Wales and spontaneously held a children’s meeting on the beach. He wrote ‘God is love’ in the sand, and this simple but compelling message attracted the attention of local young people. Through games and stories Josiah Spiers empowered his young audience to engage with Jesus. 

You can read more about the Scripture Union story in our history publications.

New generation. Same mission.

Much has changed since Josiah Spiers, but the big idea is still the same; share the good news of Jesus with the next generation

Josiah Spiers positioned himself where he could share the good news with the young people right where they were and made the gospel accessible to them. Fast forward to today, and that remains core to who we are! You'll still find Scripture Union on the beaches across England and Wales sharing the good news of Jesus but our mission field has expanded!

Across England and Wales, we are equipping and supporting the local church and passionate individuals, to go beyond the walls of the church and share the good news of Jesus with those children and young people who don't go to church. And as they connect with the next generation, give them the opportunities to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in their faith.

We're convinced now, more than ever, that this is a generation that needs Jesus. So take a look a what we do, and together, we can share the good news of Jesus with the next generation. 

'...because God is love.' 1 John 4:8

Scripture Union is now a global movement active in over 120 countries, all with a common heart and desire to see Jesus' love shared with today's young people.
 

The 95 block

Together, we can reach the 95% of children and young people not in church

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