Growing Faith in the Diocese of Leeds is part of a movement that exists to 
put children, young people and families instinctively at the heart of all the mission and ministry of the Church by changing the culture of the Church of England.
Church, home and school are significant places of faith development and the Growing Faith initiative prompts us think about how these three places can work more closely together to enable children, young people and their families to encounter Jesus and grow in faith.
Background
The idea comes from the vision set by the House of Bishops and endorsed by General Synod in 2019. It involves churches, schools and households working together to help children, young people and families have life in all its fullness.
The Growing Faith Foundation seeks to benefit children and young people, helping them create the world they want to live in, specifically through the lens of the Christian faith.
One of the early Growing Faith research projects identified four key principles for faith development among children and young people. These are: Voices, Relationships, Rhythms and Purpose. More about these principles and case studies can be found at Growing Faith Connections.
Want to explore what a Growing Faith project could look like?
- Have a look at the different Growing Faith Learning Hubs across the country.
- Listen to the Growing Faith Foundation Podcast.
- Read the Growing Faith Connections Report and use the postcards to start conversations around Growing Faith in your context.
- Join the Growing Faith learning community to gather with others wishing to explore Growing Faith.
- Contact Alex Burbidge, Growing Faith Lead.
How can we help?
- Helping to enable discussions and providing support to create new (or build on existing) church, school and home links.
- Providing workshops to support engagement with schools, exploring discipleship and supporting faith at home.
- Ongoing support and resources for school engagement, Forest Church and Choir Church.
- Offering support and guidance for brainstorming starting a Growing Faith project.
- Training for volunteers and leaders.
- Local learning communities and gatherings for a range of situations including Growing Faith, Employed Workers, Messy Churches, Toddler Group Leaders.
- Talk to us about what you would find helpful, email: childrenyouth@leeds.anglican.org.
Resources
- The Growing Faith Foundation
- Diocese of Leeds Education Team
- Jumping Fish - collective worship resource
- Imaginor - collective worship resource
- Prayer Spaces in Schools
- Examen prayer worksheet - moving to secondary school
- Resources for running holiday clubs - Scripture Union
- What's the Story? - Otley Christian Resources Hub
- Easter in a Box - Bristol Schools Connection
- Christmas in a Box - Bristol Schools Connection
Regional Organisations
- Leeds Faith in Schools
- Zephaniah Trust
- Hand to Mouth
- Christian Links in Keighley Schools
- Christians in Calderdale Schools
- The Cross Project