SU Podcast

Join the Sparks team for their first ever live recording of the Mission Sparks Podcast. Recorded at the Central Region Gathering earlier this year, contributors discuss the main message of the Gospel of Jesus and share some helpful (and some unhelpful) ways of explaining it to children and young people today.  Contact: sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk FB: Scriptureunionenglandandwales Insta: Scripture...

Mark and Ziggy from Scripture Union's sports team join Matt and Beckie to talk about the recent Holy Ground marathon; a fierce competition to raise awareness of our Holy Ground initiative, encouraging churches to adopt a local space for one hour a week and engage with children and young people through sport. 

Lucy Pearson, creator of Scripture Union's Rooted resources, talks to Matt and Beckie about the value of conversation spaces in youth and children's ministry and how to get started, including discussion on the Rooted resources and support SU can offer.  Contact: lucypearson@scriptureunion.org.uk sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk  

Neil joins Matt, Beckie, and Pete to talk Holiday Clubs. Whether you're a seasoned expert or you've never had a go, there's something in this conversation for you. The team also discuss the most important question yet raised on the Mission Sparks Podcast: Can Matt fit a slinky in his mouth?

Dave Newton - National Director of Scripture Union England and Wales - discusses the value and role of the Bible in the work of mission. Conversation turns to the old Scripture Union exam, the value of Scripture memorisation, and how impossible it is to read the Bible without getting excited for God's mission to rescue his people.    Contact: Sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk FB: ScriptureUnionEnglandA...

With a particular focus on Collective Worship and Assemblies, this episode explores opportunities in primary schools, how to join the dots, and reminisces on some of the songs we used to sing (and maybe still do.)    sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk SU Story Explorers | Scripture Union

An unusual edition of the Mission Sparks Podcast as Matt, Beckie, and Pete discuss post-Easter mission opportunities then play a series of head-to-head games (all of which could be used with children and young people.)    Contact: sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk FB: ScriptureUnionEnglandandWales Insta: ScriptureUnionEW

Join us as we explore community engagement, mission strategies, and faith in deprived areas with Nic Findlay from Scripture Union. Discover practical insights on living incarnationally, building relationships, and sharing the gospel effectively in varying contexts.   Contact: Nicf@scriptureunion.org.uk sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk FB: ScriptureUnionEnglandWales Insta: ScriptureUnionEW

This episode explores the power of sport as a tool for mission and faith sharing among children and young people. Guests from the SU sports team share inspiring stories, practical resources, and insights on how to use games and activities to connect, explore, respond, and grow in faith.   Contact: sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk marko@scriptureunion.org.uk Insta: Scriptureunionew FB: Scripture Union...

In this episode of the Mission Sparks podcast, the team discusses Generation Alpha, exploring their unique characteristics, the impact of technology on their lives, and how to engage them in spiritual conversations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding their experiences and emotional literacy, as well as practical ways to connect with them in church settings. The hosts empha...

Matt, Beckie, and Paul discuss the impact of residentials on the faith journey of children and young people, including the value of side-by-side activities, concentrated time together, relationship building, and a change of environment. The conversation includes ideas for those who cannot host a long residential and explains the support that Scripture Union can offer churches to run residentials,...

Summary: In this episode of the Mission Sparks podcast, hosts Matt and Beckie, along with guest Sarah Davison, explore the importance of research in mission work, particularly in engaging with the next generation. They discuss how research provides a foundation for understanding the needs and contexts of children and young people, the value of evaluating mission effectiveness, and the balance betw...

Summary In the inaugural episode of the Mission Sparks podcast, hosts Beckie and Matt engage with Jack to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of engaging with children and young people in rural communities. They explore the significance of understanding local contexts, the impact of isolation on young people, and the potential for church growth amidst the Quiet Revival. The conversatio...

This week we're joined by Josh Green to help us unpack the fifth and final key to successful mission from our 'Mission Possible' research – The importance of Prayer. As you'd expect, our research found that prayer is vital to successful mission activities, and in this episode, we ask Josh about his experiences of ensuring prayer is right at the heart of the mission work he's been involved in. For...

This week we're joined by Ben Poch, who was SU's Head of Regional Mission at the time of recording. Along with Ben, we're exploring the fourth key to effective mission from our 'Mission Possible' research – Being distinctively Christian. Why is it important to include distinctively Christian elements (prayer, worship, Bible reading) right from the start of mission activities? What happens when we...

This week, Rachael Heffer (Head of mission at the Evangelical Alliance) is with us as we explore the third key to effective mission from our 'Mission Possible' research – The importance of Relationships. It may sound obvious, but when reaching out to 'the 95', building meaningful relationships is critical – with the young people themselves and with those around them. We hope you find this chat on...

This week we're joined by Sara Taylor, Mission Lead at Urban Saints, to help us unpack the second key to effective mission from our 'Mission Possible' research – Being clear on your purpose.  We hope you find the conversation both challenging and helpful, and our prayer is that through these podcasts we can begin to encourage an equip you in outreach to the 95. For more information on how Scriptur...

At SU, we know that children's and youthwork isn't easy, particularly when stepping out and Revealing Jesus to those who don't go to church. But we're here to help! Over the coming weeks, in this first series of the SU Podcast that we're calling Mission Possible, we'll be exploring each of the five keys to effective mission, starting with 'Responding to the needs of your community'. In this first...

It's been a long time in the making, but the SU Podcast finally lands on the 20th January 2025! Here are your hosts Eddie and Nozi with a taste of what you can expect as we launch our first series, 'Mission Possible'. Whether you're brand new to children's and youth work or a seasoned pro, we've got lots of inspiring guests lined up to help you think through the hot topics and bring you practical...