On the 28th and 29th April, Manchester Cathedral welcomed almost 300 clergy, readers and licensed lay workers for the latest CMD Formation Days.
The theme of the days was ‘Growing Younger’, as we look to welcome more young people into the life of our parishes. Bishop Mark did the welcome, emphasising that the “Church should be a place where no child feels excluded” and reminding us of the importance of working with and celebrating our young people.
Emma Buchan and Revd Pam Macnaughton from the National Church and Network team then led a presentation on the Church of England’s plans to double the number of children and young people who are active disciples by 2030. They commended our very own Children Changing Places Project and Children and Education Team for all their work, encouraging our clergy to get in touch with them for help and advice as they aim to ‘grow younger’ in their churches.
Following a tea break, Revd Cate Allison gave a talk on how St Paul’s, Withington, has turned around their children and youth ministry by putting on events to bring children and their families into the church. A short film featuring Revd Bec Wilkinson then told how her Mission Community has engaged the youth through their YCT (Youth Church Thing) group.
Revd Vinny Whitworth from St Andrew’s, Over Hulton was up next, recalling how no children over the age of 11 attended the church when he started there in 2019. He sought help from Manchester Diocese’s Education team to set up the Keep Trusting Jesus Community youth group, and now the church has a growing number of young people attending. “You can go from having zero children to having a full-blown children and youth ministry!” he said.
In the final film, Effie Coleman from the Man Dio Growing Faith team spoke about involving children in her Mission Community by consulting with young people on the planning of a Sacred Space for youth.
Following these inspirational reflections, presentations and films, attendees were invited to discuss what they could do to make a difference where they are, recording any ideas and sharing them. To conclude the day, Bishop Matthew gave a Theological Reflection on how we can celebrate children, reminding everyone how important it is for churches to create a warm culture of welcome for them.
If you would like to find out more about 'growing younger' in your church, please visit the Children and Young People Ministry section of our website. Alternatively, you can contact Diocesan Children's Officer, Rick Otto, or Assistant Director of Education, Susie Mapledoram for support.