40 years of schools ministry impact!
This June marks 40(!) years since Wayne Dixon, of SU Local Mission Partner Christian Connections in Schools, began his schools’ ministry and his passion for SU. Since then, he has shared Jesus with thousands of children and had a huge impact on their lives.
Wayne engages regularly with pupils across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead. He introduces them to Jesus through Christmas Unwrapped and Easter Cracked presentations and in the summer term he uses SU’s It’s Your Move to help Year 6 pupils transition from primary to secondary school. He also does assemblies, RE lessons and ‘Hanging Around Ministry’, chatting to pupils and staff at proms, events and in the common room.
Early life (1970s):
‘As a child, I loved sport – so when London City Mission (LCM) invited me to their midweek sports-based club, I went! It was my first connection to faith, and so I try to relate to pupils through their interests too.
‘At LCM’s New Year’s Eve service in 1976, I decided to follow Jesus. Soon after, my parents split up. I blamed God, but a caring Christian couple listened and didn’t judge me, which had a huge impact. That’s why I started “Hanging Around Ministry”, to do the same for staff and pupils – and of course I’ll talk about Jesus, if there’s an opportunity! At a prom recently, a lad asked what advice I’d give him – I said “Consider Jesus”.’
1980s:
‘I’d been going through the motions of faith, but that changed at Spring Harvest 1983. Back home, I joined a church, got baptised and went on my first SU sports holiday. Then I came to Slough to do a business studies course – and never left!
‘In 1984, I was invited back to the SU holiday to help on the team. In 1986, I did my first school assembly. I felt God calling me to schools ministry, so I contacted SU and started with them in 1988.’
1990s:
‘The Zach Rap is born! Three pupils I knew wrote it after I related Zach’s story (Luke 19:1–9), as part of a series I do on “People Jesus met”. I’ve performed the rap in schools, churches, town centres and at Spring Harvest.’
To watch it, click here.
2000–2020s:
Wayne’s vibrant ministry in schools continues and shows no signs of slowing down! In February 2026, Wayne was awarded the Long Service Award at the Hand in Hand children’s ministry conference, in recognition of his dedication to revealing Jesus to the next generation.
In 2025 alone, Wayne revealed Jesus to over 3,400 children in more than 50 schools!
Our National Director, Dave Newton, described Wayne’s long ministry as ‘nothing short of inspiring’, and we agree – let’s thank God for faithful servants like Wayne and ask God to raise up even more people like him.
Wayne’s favourite Bible verse:
‘Luke 23:34 where on the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” I’ll share that verse in schools to highlight how different Jesus is, the incredible grace he showed. That moment was so pivotal – without Jesus’ death and resurrection we would have no purpose, no hope, no eternal life.’
Across generations:
‘I often hear from the pupils of today how their parents recall knowing me from their own school days!’
What I love about my work:
‘I get to share God’s love with young people, many of whom have no connection with a church.’
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