Whether you are new to working with children or have years of experience, the online Children’s Ministry Essentials course run by the Diocese of St Albans is designed to support and encourage you in your ministry.
The course offers a clear and accessible introduction to sharing faith with children in ways that are thoughtful, engaging and practical for those in paid and voluntary roles.
A practical introduction to mission and ministry with children
Whether you are new to working with children or have been involved for years, the Children’s Ministry Essentials course is designed to support and encourage you in your ministry. The course, for both paid and volunteer roles, offers a clear and accessible introduction to what it means to share faith with children in a thoughtful, engaging and practical way.
Grounded in real experience and shaped by the needs of today’s churches and communities, the course helps you reflect on your role, grow in confidence and explore new ways of connecting children with God. Wherever you serve, you are invited to learn, reflect and develop alongside others in this online course.
What to expect
- Six online modules
- Key ideas and practical application
- Space to reflect on your own practice
Each module introduces key concepts and explores how these can shape both your work with children and your growth as a practitioner.
How it works
- Six modules delivered online
- Learn at your own pace
- Designed for a range of ministry settings
Each session begins and ends with a reflective prayer activity, helping you discover ways to support children in engaging with the Bible and prayer.
In 2026 the course will run online in the autumn term, on Wednesday evenings (19:15 – 21:15), beginning on Wednesday 30 September and concluding on Wednesday 11 November. For the full list of dates, click on the link below.
Meet the course leaders
Elisabeth Sutcliffe (Children’s Minister, St Andrew’s Bedford) and Be Barlow (Growing Younger and More Diverse Team Member) will be the leaders on the course. They share:
“We are delighted to be running Children’s Ministry Essentials this autumn. We’re looking forward to gathering those involved in children’s ministry from across the diocese as we explore some key areas of ministry together.
“Our prayer is that, as you engage with the course and put ideas into practice, you will grow in confidence and effectiveness, and that the children you serve will grow in their knowledge and love of God.
“Whether you’ve been involved in children’s ministry for a while and are looking to dig deeper into some important themes, or are just starting out in a voluntary capacity, we’d love you to consider joining us. We hope this will be a valuable opportunity to learn together and be equipped for ministry.”
Feedback about the course
“The Children’s Ministry Essentials course gave our Children’s and Families’ Worker the space and encouragement to recognise and develop their full potential. Through the programme, they grew in confidence and became more intentional and visionary in their approach to children’s and families’ ministry. The impact from the course has been to equip them to lead with greater clarity and purpose.”
The Revd Claire Harald