“They will be like a tree planted by the water… its leaves are always green… and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Flourish is a vibrant and growing movement that’s enabling worshipping communities in schools, creating spaces where children and young people can encounter God, grow in their faith, and develop leadership skills. Rooted in Galatians 5:22–23, the Flourish conference on the 8th July was about nurturing lives shaped by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We all came together to celebrate how God is at work through Flourish and to imagine what good fruit is possible for students for the future.
Young people involved in Flourish are experiencing real spiritual growth. They’re becoming more confident in talking about their faith, forming friendships across belief backgrounds, and enjoying the creativity that comes with leading worship and hospitality. Many are discovering that leadership isn’t limited by age, and that Scripture and prayer, whether spoken, sung, or shared, are powerful ways to connect with God.
We have two Flourish locations in Southwark Diocese:
Lewisham: Flourish at Trinity Secondary
At The Good Shepherd, Lee, working in partnership with Trinity Secondary School, Lewisham, a Flourish minister is present in school 24 hours each week. Students regularly attend a weekly breakfast and mindfulness club, which acts as a gentle entry point into discussions about faith, with worship music playing in the background and biblical crafts. Students also take part in Bible study sessions, where deep and often profound theological questions are raised and explored.
Flourish has also created prayer spaces where students and staff reflect on what a relationship with Jesus looks like, and engage in meaningful, quiet reflection. A recent Easter Flourish event gave students the opportunity to share their personal journeys of faith and leadership. Looking ahead, the young leaders are now planning a parent prayer breakfast, which they will lead themselves.
Kennington: Flourish at St Stephen’s Primary
Another inspiring example of Flourish in action is the partnership between St Mark’s, Kennington, and St Stephen’s C of E Primary School. The dedicated Flourish Children’s Minister spends 21 hours a week supporting the spiritual life of the school.
Students attend a lively after-school Bible Study Club where worship, Bible reading and discussion happens, parents explore prayer through morning sessions with the Flourish minister, and students gather for collective worship sometimes led by the Flourish minister.
In both Flourish locations, beyond structured activities, the Flourish ministers offer pastoral care to both students and staff, providing encouragement and support in everyday school life.
Flourish Theology in Practice
One of the highlights of the conference was a session with the Flourish Theological Advisory Group, where attendees explored what makes a Flourish worshipping community unique. Through questions such as “What gives your Flourish community meaning?” and “How do Anglican values like Scripture, prayer, sacred space, and community shape your worship?” participants were encouraged to reflect deeply on the identity and calling of their communities. The session affirmed that Flourish is not one-size-fits-all, each community has its own rhythm, shaped by those who are part of it.
Worship That Resonates
Another workshop focused on the role of music and worship, featuring organisations like Amplify, Soul Children UK, and Hympact. These ministries help young people engage with God in ways that are meaningful and accessible.
Soul Fuel, a weekly Bible reflection within Soul Children choir practice, is just one example of how music and discipleship are being integrated. Meanwhile, Hympact enables churches to learn the same worship songs that children sing at school, building unity across age groups and settings.
Rooted in Scripture, Bearing Fruit
Throughout the day, two scriptures provided a foundation for our reflections. Jeremiah 17:7–8 reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water deeply rooted, strong, and fruitful. Psalm 78 calls us to pass on the stories of God’s goodness to the next generation. These truths are at the heart of Flourish.
Flourish is so much more than a programme, it’s a movement where worshipping communities are being cultivated and nurtured in schools, where young people are growing in faith, and where the Church is becoming more present and more relevant in the everyday lives of students. Flourish is nurturing deep roots that help young people stand strong in faith, bear good fruit and can withstand whatever life brings.
If you would like more information about the Flourish programme, please don’t hesitate to email the CYP team on [email protected].
