Launchpad is a programme to support clergy who are looking to develop and implement a strategy to get youth work going/develop the youth work in their parish or benefice.
Across the Diocese, churches are embracing the challenge of growing younger, and the Launchpad program is proving to be a powerful catalyst for change. Designed to support parishes in developing children and youth ministry, Launchpad is helping churches take small, intentional steps that lead to lasting transformation. Through a series of interactive sessions and one-to-one ongoing coaching and support, churches are discovering that even modest beginnings can lead to significant growth. As one participant from Ely shared,
"It’s the best bit of training I’ve ever received— inspiring, equipping, we started so small, and God has blown away our expectations."
Stories from across the Diocese from churches that have already engaged with the programme include:
- A rural multi-parish benefice, working within a shared school catchment area, using Launchpad to build a partnership between neighbouring churches. Together, they created a safe, inclusive space for young people who might struggle in other settings. Starting with just three young people, the group has grown to 19 young people from diverse backgrounds. The team was encouraged by Launchpad’s message: it’s okay to start small, and it’s okay to talk about God.
- A church in a rural benefice, revitalised its toddler group and café church, focusing on building relationships and supporting families through key transitions, such as moving from primary to secondary school.
- A benefice that has reimagined its baptism preparation as a journey, not a one-time event, and they’ve seen a rise in baptisms as a result.
- A church where additional volunteers have stepped up in response to the program’s encouragement, enabling youth ministry to run every Sunday.
- Transformation in one church has seen them become more inclusive and international, creating spaces where new families feel at home.
- One church noted the particular importance of connecting these newly formed or growing youth groups with the wider congregation, giving young people a sense of belonging and responsibility in church life.
Launchpad has also inspired churches in different parishes across the Diocese to work more closely with local schools, run confirmation and discipleship courses, and explore new ways of engaging with faith. As one leader put it,
"We’ve gone from a place where nobody knew what to do with children and young people to enacting real change."
This is just the beginning. Through the Launchpad programme, the Diocese supports and celebrates the creativity, courage, and commitment of churches participating in Launchpad, as they seek to develop their ministry with young people.
Join in
The Diocese of Ely is about to launch Cohort 3 with the face-to-face sessions beginning after Easter.
To find out more, watch the video here: Launchpad Overview on Vimeo and contact Ruth New, Development Officer for Growing Younger (ruth.new@elydicoese.org).