When the questions comes: “Do you want to help out with the children’s work?” it can fill us with dread. But never fear! Sam Donoghue and his team are setting up a new online training centre, called The Learning Hub, crammed full of training to help new volunteers and experienced workers alike. He tells us more…
If you’ve been part of a church for any length of time, you’ll know that there are certain phrases that will create predictable responses. For example, “Just some short notices” will trigger the whole congregation to stop listening; a visiting bishop saying “This brings me to my second point” will cause everyone to look at their watch.
If you want a phrase to generate fear and dread, may I present to you: “Hey, how would you feel about helping out with the kids!” or “We really need some more helpers for the youth group, would you like to give it a try?” It inspires a unique terror as it can be as frightening for the person doing the asking as it is to be asked. If you’re doing the asking, you fear a ‘no’, but if you are being asked, you have the opportunity to dream up all the things that might go wrong if you are trusted to care for group of children or young people for 30 minutes in a vestry. We want to take this fear away.
We want you give you everything you need to thrive, at a time and place that is best for you. If you are doing the asking, you can recruit volunteers knowing that the best possible support is easily available; if you are being asked, then you can rest assured that you will be able to begin working with children or young people with confidence that you can do it.
So, on Monday 7 December, we’re launching The Learning Hub – an online training centre with courses, activities and resources that will help you start and then develop your skills along the way. You’ll also be able speak to one of our team through the site and ask any questions you have. Not only that, in the future you’ll be able to interact with other children’s and youth workers to share what you’ve learned and learn more from others.
As Christians, we have an amazing story that has been passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years. It is a huge privilege to be part of that process and tell our story afresh for the children and young people in our churches now. I’m glad we are able to help you through this new online resource.