Leaders
Adults Working With Young People
Getting Started (Basics)
Before you do anything, read through this Companion to the Model Policy!
It's worth your time to answer these questions with your vestry or members interested organizing children/youth formation. The answers should help you stay focused on the bigger picture of who and what your congregation is as you work with the young people.
Be sure you actually speak to the children/youth/parents about what their needs are and don't just assume what they need/want. Here is a sample survey to help.
Scroll Down to "Ministry Resources" for What Comes Next
Safe Church Resources: Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being
Safe Church Guidance & Training
LGBTQ+ Resources:
These Are Our Bodies Curriculum--talking faith and sexuality at church and at home
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: a guide for LGBTQ+ Christian teens
Welcoming and Affirming: a guide to supporting and working with LGBTQ+ Christian youth
Anti-Racism Resources:
Sesame Workshop: Coming Together - talking to children about race and identity
Picture Books for Anti-Racists
Parents' Choice Foundation: 22 books about hate and prejudice (most ages 10 & up)
Ministry Resources
General
Developmental Characteristics of Age Groups (The Episcopal Children's Educator Handbook, Pearson, 2013)
Recruiting and Training Volunteers
Children
Template for a Children's Liturgy of the Word
Tools for Engaging Young Children in Worship
Elements of a Children's "Worship Bag"
Children's Holy Eucharist Booklet (Rite II, Prayer A)
Theological Differences between Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Tell Me The Truth About Racism
Youth
Baptism and Confirmation
Diocesan Resources
COVID-19 Resources
(last updated 3/20/21)
Professional Resources
On Your Bookshelf
