Getting started can seem daunting but we are here to help. What are your aims for schools ministry? Do you have a vision and a strategy? It is important to think about why you want to do schools ministry.

Spend time in prayer

Prayer is really important, so take time to pray and ask God to speak to you, especially at the beginning. Why not gather other people together to pray with you for the vision and also for the school.

Consider what inspires you

We imagine working with children and young people will be one of the key reasons. Young people and children are brilliant, talented and creative, and one of the greatest gifts you can give them is time. Time to question, discuss, explore and create. 

Another reason will be sharing the good news of Jesus with children and young people, and seeing how lives and communities are transformed. You may know some of the needs of the school community, which will help shape the vision.

Who can partner with you in the vision? 

Think about teachers, students, parents and governors who can share the vision with you and have particular roles in helping to make it happen. Think about how to communicate the vision to them.

What can you offer in terms of skills, resources, time and talent?

Think about what skills and resources you already have and what you could have with some training.

What do you stand for?

Think about your core beliefs and values. How will this be clear in your vision?

What do you know about the school?

There are all sorts of ways to find out, including talking to people you already know at the school, reading the latest Ofsted report, finding out if other Christians already support the school and what they do. How about finding out what the school needs and seeing where this matches with your aims?

Who are you accountable to?

It's important to have accountability and support. This could be a church leader or church committee, or a trust set up specifically for this.

How will you measure progress?

This can be done in a number of ways, through interviews, surveys and more.

What about training?

Consider what training you need and what is on offer. Have a look at the training we provide.