Local Schools Worker based in Cambridgeshire
I have been working with children and young people for more years that I care to remember, but the passion I had back then still remains and it’s a privilege to serve God in an area that I am so passionate about.
I have been working for Scripture Union in Cambridgeshire since January 2000. Born locally, my previous ten years were spent as a youth worker in a local Baptist church. More recently (2007-8) I was fortunate enough to spend a year working with Scripture Union in Queensland, Australia where I became involved with school chaplaincy, an area I have subsequently been looking at here in the UK.
In 2010 I also had the privilege of visiting Uganda to train children’s and youth workers including some from Scripture Union Uganda, a really awesome experience. The visit was in conjunction with Afrinspire, a small charity doing some amazing work
On the family front I am married to Rachel and have four wonderful children, Megan, Ellen, Millie and Alfie. Life is never dull! Another passion is sport and although my playing days are now few and far between ‘Manchester City FC’ remain close to me heart. In reality they may not have won any trophies for years, but I can still dream!
My role since returning from Australia focuses more on children and primary schools, particularly through the work of GenR8 although I do continue to be involved and support initiatives with secondary schools and young people. The core work of GenR8 is volunteer teams that participate in assemblies in over 100 primary schools termly. Other GenR8 inspired activities include Xcllr8 an away weekend for those aged 8-11. Regular training events for children workers as well as networking, supporting and training volunteers. 2010 should see further development in the work of GenR8 as it seeks charity status to both strengthen and develop its ministry.
I am also involved in many other initiatives and projects such as It's Your Move teams, where alongside local youth workers we take year 11 & 13 students into local primary schools to distribute the It’s your Move booklets and take lessons based on moving up to secondary school with year 6’s. I have also recently co-written one of the Top Tips series, 'Leading Small Groups'.
Partnership with others is important and working with the local ‘Youth for Christ’ centre, Ely Diocesan, and Christian Resources into Schools (CRIS) amongst others is key to sustaining and developing ministry in the local area.
What gets me out of bed in the morning (apart from my children!) is the desire to reach the masses of children and young people not in our churches. With this in mind, schools are vital places to be! Most children and young people are growing up with little concept of God or what it means to be a Christian. It’s important not to sit back and hope things will improve! I am daunted but excited by the challenges ahead and hope you will partner with me.
For more information or to get Steve's latest newsletter by email, please contact him at SteveW@scriptureunion.org.uk