This document provides guidance for planning children's and youth ministry programs. It discusses establishing the mission, assessing needs, and determining goals and objectives. The objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. An example aim is given as "That all children may have an encounter with Jesus and have a chance to respond in meaningful ways." Sample objectives are provided. Important themes to cover for both children and youth are listed. Guidance is given for planning sessions, including activities, needs addressed, relationships, and inclusivity. Resources for both youth and children's programs are shared.

1. MISSION
ACTION
PLANNING
Where
are
we?
What
are
the
children’s
and
young
people’s
needs?
What
do
we
want
to
see?
What
do
the
children
or
young
people
want
to
see?
Other
stakeholders?
AIM AND OBJECTIVES
FOUNDATION
What is children’s / youth ministry? Values, culture, self-
reflection,
skills and qualities, personal growth
The Aurora
Children and
Youth Ministry
House

2. Programme planning
Aim – General, long term, dream, aspiration – bringing your
understanding of everything we have looked at so far into an aim.
Objective – specific, tactics (SMART) - to achieve what?
• Specific – be precise about what you are going to do
• Measurable – you will know when you have reached your goal
• Achievable – don’t attempt too much. A less ambitious but
completed objective is better than an over-ambitious one that you
cannot possibly achieve.
• Realistic – do you have the necessary resources to achieve the
objective? For example: time, money, skills, etc?
• Time constrained – determine when each stage needs to be
completed. Is there time in your schedule to allow for unexpected
delays?
Aims describe what you want to achieve.
Objectives describe how you are going to achieve those aims.

3. Aim
That all children may have an encounter with Jesus
and have a chance to respond in meaningful ways
Objectives
1. Run weekly group consisting of: time for play, fun, activities, exploring Bible stories,
building relationships, listening to children, encouragement, listening to God, worship…
Review every 6 months.
2. Represent the children’s needs to the larger church family - enabling them to speak
into decision-making processes and at PCC meetings.
3. Serve the local school in running weekly after-school club and termly assemblies,
inviting them to other groups.
4. Put in place suitable policies (health and safety, equal opportunities, risk assessments)
and safeguarding procedures and ensure team are recruited and trained in all areas
5. Actively explore discipleship and faith with children through conversation and prayer.
Programme planning

4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Programme
Resources
Different
approaches
MISSION
ACTION
PLANNING
Where
are
we?
What
are
the
children’s
and
young
people’s
needs?
What
do
we
want
to
see?
What
do
the
children
or
young
people
want
to
see?
Other
stakeholders?
FOUNDATION
What is children’s / youth ministry? Values, culture, self-
reflection,
skills and qualities, personal growth
The Aurora
Children and
Youth Ministry
House

5. Important themes to include:
• Identity
• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Internet safety
• Sex and relationships
• Families & Parents
• Acceptance / forgiveness
• School
• Alcohol & Drugs
• Future
Youth Alpha?
Programme planning
Important themes to include:
• Love
• Friendships
• Relationships
• Internet safety
• Families & Parents
• Stories (Bible and other)
• Forgiveness
• School
• Identity
• Future
Godly Play?
YOUTH
CHILDREN

6. Programme planning
Start planning a 1.5 hour session for your children’s or youth group
Have reasons for the activities you chose
Think about
• Your aims and objectives
• Balance of activities (learning styles)
• Needs of the children / young people
• Context / culture
• Faith development
• Your team
• Relationships
• Pioneering ministry / fresh expressions
• Inclusivity
• Your role
• Informal / formal education / special needs
Programme planning

7. Programme planning
Some youth resources available…
Scripture Union – Lockdown resources:
https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/lockdown
YFC - https://resources.yfc.co.uk (Rock Solid, Lumen and Mettle)
Youth Group Resources: http://fervr.net/youth-group/resources
Youth Ministry: http://youthministry.com
Energize (Urban Saints): https://www.energize.uk.net/syllabus
Christian Youth Work Resources for Church, Schools, and
Residentials: www.youthworkresource.com/youth-work/ready-to-use-
session-plans
Share good resources in the group…

8. Some children’s resources available…
• Scripture Union – Light free resources:
https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/light-free-resources
• Roots: https://www.rootsontheweb.com
• Mustard Seeds: https://www.mustard-seeds.net
• Church Leaders: https://churchleaders.com/category/children/free-
resources-childrens-ministry
• Power Pack: https://www.powerpackministries.co.uk/shop
• Energize (Urban Saints): https://www.energize.uk.net/syllabus
• Barnabas (BRF): https://ideas.brf.org.uk/
Share good resources in the group…
Programme planning