The Mission Sparks Podcast

Ep.7 - Bank Holiday Special

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

Ep.6 - I've got loads of stories of failure: Mission on the margins

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

Ep.5 - The look in his eye has changed: Mission through sport

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 England and Wales
 
Resources mentioned:
Half time
Holy Ground
 

Ep.4 - Stop calling it boring: Insights into Gen Alpha

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 emphasize the need for authenticity and exploration in faith, encouraging listeners to adapt their approaches to better resonate with this generation. 
Get in touch:
Sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk
Insta: Scriptureunionew
FB: Scripture Union England and Wales

Ep.3 - A spiral staircase: Why residentials make a difference

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, mission days, and similar events for themselves.Contact:
Sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk
Insta: Scriptureunionew
FB: Scripture Union England and Waleswww.su.org.uk/holidays

Ep.2 - Jumping for Jesus: How research helps inform mission

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 between digital and face-to-face interactions. The conversation highlights the need for churches to adapt their strategies based on research findings and the voices of young people, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and fostering open conversations about faith.
 
Research:
Talking Jesus
Z-A: Growing Spirituality
Scripture Union Research
 
Get in touch:
Sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk
SarahD@scriptureunion.org.uk
Insta: Scriptureunionew
FB: Scripture Union England and Wales

Ep.1 - I can't go for a dog walk: Mission in rural communities

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 conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, experiential learning, and environmentalism as key themes for connecting with the next generation. The episode concludes with practical takeaways for listeners to apply in their own mission work.
 
Get in touch:
Sparks@scriptureunion.org.uk
JackN@scriptureunion.org.uk
Insta: Scriptureunionew
FB: Scripture Union England and Wales

Mission Possible – Episode 5: The Importance of Prayer

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 more information on how Scripture Union can help you Reveal Jesus to the children and young people in your communities, visit su.org.uk/revealingjesus or go to su.org.uk/missionsupport to sign-up to our free monthly emails packed with tips, resources and more. You'll also find us on Instagram and Facebook – just search for Scripture Union England and Wales.
This is the last episode in this first series of the SU Podcast, but we've got more in the pipeline, so look out for those landing in your podcast feed soon. 

Mission Possible – Episode 4: Be distinctively Christian

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 neglect elements like this or bring them in too late in the process? Join us as we explore this important consideration when aiming to Reveal Jesus to children and young people beyond the church!For more information on how Scripture Union can help you Reveal Jesus to the children and young people in your communities, visit su.org.uk/revealingjesus or go to su.org.uk/missionsupport to sign-up to our free monthly emails packed with tips, resources and more. You'll also find us on Instagram and Facebook – just search for Scripture Union England and Wales.
We'll be releasing five episodes in this Mission Possible series, with a new episode landing every other Monday from 20th January 2025 (20th Jan, 3rd Feb, 17th Feb, 3rd March, 17th March). Make sure you subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to get them as soon as the drop.

Mission Possible – Episode 3: The importance of relationships

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 the topic inspiring and informative, and a real encouragement in the work you're doing to Reveal Jesus to children and young people beyond the church!For more information on how Scripture Union can help you Reveal Jesus to the children and young people in your communities, visit su.org.uk/revealingjesus or go to su.org.uk/missionsupport to sign-up to our free monthly emails packed with tips, resources and more. You'll also find us on Instagram and Facebook – just search for Scripture Union England and Wales.
We'll be releasing five episodes in this Mission Possible series, with a new episode landing every other Monday from 20th January 2025 (20th Jan, 3rd Feb, 17th Feb, 3rd March, 17th March). Make sure you subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to get them as soon as the drop.