Practical, flexible support to churches across the Synod
Commitment to a vision
The United Reformed Church (West Midlands) Synod is committed to nurturing children and young people, supporting local congregations, and encouraging fresh expressions of church life. Many churches across the Synod express a strong desire to engage more effectively with children, young people, and families, but face challenges including limited capacity, ageing congregations, and a lack of trained youth workers. This scheme supports our agreed Synod vision, that we need to add a younger demographic to our churches, lowering the average congregational age.
The March 2026 Synod Meeting agreed to employ four Young People’s Development Workers. They have been recruited and start work on Monday 7 September 2026: Bertheli Dawson, Isaac Evans, Christine Ntim and Andrew Sedman.
The four will work collaboratively as a team, usually working in pairs, offering help with children’s and youth activities. They will also receive structured training, supervision, and vocational and leadership development as needed.
Churches can now apply for the use of some Development Worker hours to be spent with them, helping the local church with a project or idea that encourages children, youth or intergenerational initiatives.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact the Synod Children and Youth Development Worker, Helen Laird, using our online Contact Form.
The Growing Younger Programme aims to:
- Start, strengthen and grow children’s and youth ministry across the Synod
- Provide practical, accessible support to local churches
- Invest in future young leaders and explore new pathways into ministry in a supportive environment
- Encourage innovation, confidence, and sustainability in local youth work
- Foster collaboration between churches through shared resources