outline of modules

Aurora participants can work towards a certificate in children's and youth ministry equivalent to academic level 3 or 4 (A-Level or first year degree).  The course is set across three modules as below.

1. Children's and Youth Ministry and the Leader

  1. What is Children’s & Youth Ministry?
    • Children and young people today and their context
    • A church-wide responsibility
    • Ministry with children and young people
  2. Values of Children's and Youth Ministry
    • Relational Discipleship
    • Empowering
    • Educational
    • Equal Opportunities
    • Spirituality and Formation
  3. Why am I involved in children’s / youth ministry?
  4. Leadership – what kind of leader are you?
  5. Gifts and skills of a children’s / youth leader
  6. Personal growth, support and pastoral care

2. Understanding Children & Young People & Ministry Practice

  1. Theology of the child / young person
  2. Faith development
  3. Identity
  4. Child development theories
  5. Using the Bible in ministry
  6. Needs of children and young people
  7. Spiritual styles (learning styles)
  8. Practical approaches to children's ministry
    • Godly Play and story-telling
    • Messy Church (crafts and games)
    • Creative prayer
    • Drama and play
    • Schools
  9. Practical approaches to youth ministry
    • Group work
    • Creative arts
    • Sport
    • Residentials
    • Mentoring
    • Detached Work
    • Schools
  10. Inclusive Ministry
  11. Mental health and wellbeing

3. Managing the Ministry

  1. Children in the church and leadership
  2. Young people in the church and leadership
  3. Social Media and digital discipleship
  4. Schools (making connections and building relationships)
  5. Vision, strategy and programme planning
  6. Sustainability
  7. Planning for change in the church
  8. Making teams work: recruitment, supervision & training
  9. Legal: Child protection policies, safeguarding, risk assessment & insurance

modules schedule tutors cost