Scripture Union is aiming for ‘at least’ 3,500 groups in just three to five years time as it embarks on a new nationwide initiative.
SU – a Christian charity for children and young people aiming to share the gospel – is beginning its new ‘Mission Possible’ nationwide tour.
This seeks to help churches reach the 95% of children and young people in England and Wales who do not go to church. That is a staggering 12 million or more under-18s.
Myles MacBean (see photo), National Director of SU, speaking exclusively to en, says: ‘Everything that SU does has been re-evaluated in the light of our new strategy. For example, our Bible reading guides remain, but they now carry prominent stories to tie readers to our work with the 95%. Staff prioritise equipping and releasing volunteers in churches to engage with young people rather than engaging with the children themselves. Our holidays have been refocused to serve the 95%.
‘We now have almost 400 active Faith Guides in around 280 local churches, with numerous examples about the impact of the mission framework. Through larger-scale events we are connecting with over 30,000 under-18s every quarter, and have about 10,000 in smaller groups.
‘Our aim is that, in three to five years’ time, there would be at least 3,500 peer-shaped, peer-served and adult-guided groups inspired by the Revealing Jesus framework active across England and Wales – or roughly one in every high-school catchment area. To do so we need God’s blessing and wisdom.'
