Media release: Children's workers are heroes!

The new Bishop of Sherwood, Tony Porter, gave a stirring address in his first public engagement at the Diocese of Southwell and Scripture Union Tiddlywinks training event last week (25 March). The event, which offered practical advice for leaders working with under 5s, was led by Scripture Union’s Training Manager, Alastair Wood and Nick Harding, Children’s Officer for the Diocese of Southwell and author of Top Tips on All Age Worship.

Addressing nearly one hundred delegates who attended the training day, Bishop Porter said: ‘Children’s workers are heroes!’ and spoke passionately about the need for strong and supportive leaders in children’s ministry. He also encouraged those in attendance to ‘not lose your sense of privilege to do children’s work.’

Bishop Porter has a passion for sharing faith with ordinary people, having gained a wide range of experience working in tough urban areas. He spent eight years reviving a declining church in the Bacup area of Manchester and most recently led a congregation of between 6-700 at his former church in Rusholme, near Manchester’s Moss Side.

During his address, Bishop Proter made his ministry agenda clear by highlighting the Annual Diocesan Training Day for Youth Leaders held on the 7 October, which he said should be on everyone’s calendar. He also implored his listeners to be passionate about children’s and youth ministry, about teaching the Scriptures, but above all, to be passionate about Jesus Christ. The Bishop concluded by saying: ‘It’s our priority to teach the Bible well.’

The Tiddlywinks training day covered topics including ‘Can under 5s have faith?’ and ‘What is it like being an under 5 today?’ andproved very popular. One delegate left the event saying: ‘Congratulations on a great day! I was inspired and enjoyed the whole programme. The insights given regarding faith with under 5s were really helpful’.

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Notes to Newsdesk:

For more information or hi-res images please contact Scripture Union’s Communications Manager Adam Petrie on 01908 856030 or email
adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

Scripture Union is an international mission movement working with churches in more than 140 countries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to children, young people and families, and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer.