Toby (Mission Enabler) and Stefan (Faith Guide) are based in Devon. Together they’ve developed a detached youth team and are showing God’s love in a real and practical way, and share what it can look like to connect with the 95...
Toby says; "We spent about an hour or so at the skate park in Paignton on a Friday night, where there were about 40-50 young people aged 11 to 19. All we did was walk around and engage with them in their smaller groups. The skate park is a key place around here. And so that's where we'll go and take Gregg's and hot chocolate!”
“It's a great conversation starter” Stefan says, “We check they’re safe, encourage social distancing and so on, but basically just chat with them.”
Toby continues: “Having food or hot chocolate gives you a reason to approach them and talk to them, especially when you’re on their territory. And having a reason to approach a group or be present in their space - other than checking up on them, which is what they are used to - is huge. Then it only takes a week or two...
By the time you've done it a couple of times, they know you!
They get used to you and they’re pleased to see you. We are often greeted with the celebratory declaration that; “Gregg’s is here!”
He explains; “It’s not about moving them on – it’s about being present and connecting with them. We want to maintain positive, healthy, trusted adult relationships. If they need water, we get the water. If they need to phone home and get picked up, we’ll help them with that.”
And when things open again, Toby, Stefan and the rest of the team are excited to have the opportunity to invite these young people to explore Jesus with them.
Top tip : Doughnuts work really well too!!
Let us help you to connect with the 95
Although each child and young person is different, our research and experience show us that most go through the same stages as they become and grow as a Christian: Connect, Explore, Respond and Grow.
The Revealing Jesus mission framework provides shaping principles for each stage, but also offers flexibility in expression as we recognise that contexts, and children and young people themselves, vary hugely.
Get in touch with your local Mission Enabler, to discover how we can support you and your church.
Toby Chant
Mission Enabler
I'm based in Torbay and work with communities and churches across the South West, encouraging and equipping them to effectively share the good news with local children and young people.
Working with Faith Guides has been such a joy and I am constantly inspired by the passion, commitment and vision I see. The support that I offer is free for the churches who I have the privilege to serve and I am only able to do what I do thanks to generous donations.
To ensure our future progress and ongoing impact, Scripture Union need more supporters. I would love to invite you to invest in us as we invest into others, become a partner in changing the statistic that 95% of children and young people are not part of church.
Thank you so much for reading this.