All courses | Pathways (CofE Birmingham)

The Commissioned Youth and Children’s Work Pathway equips experienced volunteers and workers with deeper skills in leadership, theology, and strategy. Through expert training, mentorship, and community learning, participants grow in confidence and impact, culminating in a commissioning service led by the Bishop.

Over six months, participants will engage in interactive learning through peer groups and mentoring, supported by expert-led teaching on key topics such as child development, discipleship, managing volunteers, and creating missional spaces.

The course includes three full-day, face-to-face training sessions, one of which takes place during a residential weekend.

Practical application tasks will be completed via the diocesan learning platform, Pathways.

The journey culminates in a final commissioning service led by the Bishop. Additionally, all participants are required to complete safeguarding training and undergo a DBS check.

Who is it for?
Experienced volunteers or employed workers in youth and children’s ministry.

What's the commitment?
Three in-person training days (including one residential), plus three peer evaluation sessions, and short assessment tasks to complete throughout. Attend the Commissioning service at the end of the course.

What are the requirements?
Support from a vicar, PCC notification, safeguarding training, and a DBS check.

What happens when I complete?
You will be commissioned by the Bishop for youth and children’s work in your parish.

When can I start?
The next cohort begins in early 2026.

How do I sign up?
Discuss the programme with your incumbent or employed youth and children's worker, and then just submit this form. The team will then get in touch with you to discuss your suitability for this pathway.

We have a team of core tutors, and additional tutors will be brought in to present on more specific topics as and when required.

Core Tutors:

Rachel Retallick-Cheel is Mission Support Developer CFME at Church of England Birmingham, overseeing the Children and Families Mission Enabler project. She has worked at Moorlands College, The Feast, and Youthscape’s Alumina team and is active in church leadership and youth work.

Emma Sargeant, the Growing Younger Advisor, has been working for Church of England Birmingham since 2017. She has been involved in paid youth work in parishes for over 30 years and is now a volunteer at the Friday night youth club in her home church.

Adam Larkin has led youth, children’s, and community work in Birmingham for 25 years. He recently served as a youth development worker for Church of England Birmingham and now coordinates the Safe Spaces network for young people while leading a community hub at Oasis Hub Blakenhale.

Sarah Covington has served in full-time children’s ministry for over 20 years, following a career as a primary teacher. She is Children’s Minister at Knowle Parish Church, a Director of Children Worldwide, and has led Spring Harvest’s Whizz Kids Programme for many years.

Dave Gidney has taught Biblical Studies, Theology, and Children’s Ministry for 30 years. He has served as a pastor, church planter, children’s minister, and evangelist. An author of several books and Bible study guides, he is now a Bible college lecturer, Scripture Union worker, and Director of Children Worldwide.