Training
Explore our growing suite of training for CYP leaders and volunteers:
- CYP Foundations Training – Book our in-person, 1-day course
- CYP Ministry Catalyst – 7-month hybrid (in-person & online)
- CYP Ministry Diploma – 2-year programme (in-person & online)
Find more training opportunities on our CYP Training Page
Explore the Church Support Hub
A growing library of curated resources to help you:
- Start or strengthen CYP groups
- Connect church, school, and home
- Equip volunteers and leaders
- Engage with fresh expressions of ministry
All resources → Church Support Hub
Growing your church takes effort and the big question being consistently asked is: How?
In 2022, the Church of England Vision and Strategy Team conducted qualitative and quantitative research with churches who had grown numbers of children and young people consistently and the principles have been summarised in this short and simple film. They have used the P.R.A.Y acronym as an easy and catchy way to remember the key principles which lead to growth in the numbers of children and young people in our church.
Building a team for Growth
Building a strong volunteer team is key to growing Children, Youth and Families (CYF) ministry. A clear vision helps people see how they can make a difference and encourages them to get involved. All recruitment should be supported by strong safeguarding and safer Recruitment practices to ensure children and young people are cared for well. The Church of England’s JOIN resources provide practical support for recruiting, equipping and supporting volunteers.
Where possible, employing a CYF Minister can provide dedicated leadership and consistency for the ministry. To help them thrive, churches should ensure effective line management, regular support and opportunities for development. The Church of England’s CYPF Recruitment and Line Management Toolkit offers practical guidance for both recruiting and supporting CYF Ministers well.
Reaching out to the Children, Young people and Families in your Parish
Messy Church, Bubble Church, Pop Up Church, toddler groups with worship, and Ignite (MYCN) are all valuable ways of reaching children, young people and families (CYF) who may not ordinarily attend Sunday worship. These initiatives create welcoming, accessible opportunities to explore faith, build relationships and experience Christian community in engaging and relevant ways. By providing different pathways into church life, they help parishes connect with families where they are and encourage ongoing faith journeys.
Messy Church
Messy Church is a Christ-centred, intergenerational expression of church that uses creativity, hospitality, celebration and shared meals to help people explore faith together. It is particularly effective at engaging families who may not attend traditional Sunday worship, creating a welcoming environment where children and adults can encounter Jesus side by side.
Website: https://www.messychurch.brf.org.uk/
Bubble Church
Bubble Church is a short, fun and interactive Sunday church service designed especially for babies, toddlers and young families, featuring songs, puppets, Bible stories and prayer. Its accessible format helps churches connect with families who may be unfamiliar with church while providing a genuine worshipping community for young children and their carers.
Website: https://www.bubblechurch.org/
PopUP Church (iSingPOP)
PopUP Church builds on iSingPOP’s work in local schools by inviting children and their families into a church setting to sing familiar songs and explore faith together. It provides a natural bridge between school, home and church, helping churches develop meaningful relationships with families who would not normally attend a Sunday service.
Website: https://www.isingpop.org/popupchurch
Faith based Toddler Group
A toddler group with worship offers a welcoming and supportive space for pre-school children and their parents, carers and grandparents to build friendships and connect with the church community. By including simple worship, songs, prayers and Bible stories alongside play and refreshments, it provides an accessible introduction to faith for families who may have little or no previous church connection.
Ignite (MYCN)
Ignite is a ten-session discipleship resource designed for young people who are exploring faith, new to faith, or wanting to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. It is particularly suited to young people attending youth groups or community projects who are not yet part of the worshipping congregation, helping them explore discipleship, mission and leadership in an accessible way.
Watch & Learn: Webinars and Videos
Missional Design: Lessons for Today’s Church
Discover how mission-shaped CYP ministry can grow your church.
Watch the webinar
Rooted in the Church
A video reflecting on what helps children and young people grow lasting roots of faith.
Watch the video
Vision and Strategy: Growing Stronger
Explore CYP initiatives presented at General Synod, July 2022
Watch the Synod video
️Get Involved
The 30k Project | The Church of England
The Church is raising 30,000 new Christian leaders, many focused on children, youth, and families. If you’re passionate about growing faith in the younger generation — there’s a role for you.
