This document provides guidance on developing an effective children's and youth ministry program. It outlines steps for determining needs, setting aims and objectives, and planning activities. The aims should describe the overall goals, while objectives define specific, measurable tactics. Important themes for both children and youth are listed. Program resources are suggested for exploring faith development through activities balancing learning styles and group needs. Sessions should consider context, relationships, and inclusivity. Effective planning involves all stakeholders and reviews progress regularly.

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. Programme planning
"It is our goal to be earth’s
most customer-centric
company, where
customers can find and
discover anything they
might want to buy online.”

4. Programme planning
“To refresh the world in
mind, body and spirit. To
inspire moments of
optimism and happiness
through our brands and
actions. To create value
and make a difference.”

5. Programme planning
“Provide a global trading
platform where practically
anyone can trade
practically anything.”

6. Programme planning
“Our mission is to give
people the power to share
and make the world more
open and connected.”

7. Programme planning
“Our brand mission is to
be our customers’
favourite place and way to
eat and drink.”

8. Programme planning
“To bring inspiration and
innovation to every athlete
in the world. If you have a
body, you are an athlete.”

9. Programme planning
“To give everyone the
power to create and share
ideas and information
instantly, without barriers.”

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Programme planning
Some youth resources available…
Scripture Union – Light free resources:
https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/light-free-resources
YFC - https://churchresources.yfc.co.uk (Go (7-11s), Rock Solid
(evangelism for 11-18s) and Lumen (discipleship for 11-18s)
Youth Group Resources: http://fervr.net/youth-group/resources
Youthscape resources:
https://www.youthscape.co.uk/store/themes/youth-work-resources
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…

15. 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
• BRF resources: https://www.brf.org.uk/resources/
Share good resources in the group…
Programme planning