106 - Great Partnership Between Churches and Christian Schools | Polly Butterworth

Rev. Polly Butterworth, a Sydney high school chaplain, shares about her new role as Schools Ministry Development Officer for the Sydney Anglican Diocese, created to better support Anglican school ministry workers. She outlines five aims: pastoral support and mentoring networks for chaplains, strengthening partnerships between schools and churches, improving training and recruitment pathways for chaplains and Christian studies teachers, sharing resources across schools, and supporting professional development through the Sydney Anglican Schools Ministry Association. Polly explains why school–church partnership matters for long-term discipleship beyond school and discusses key barriers (especially time, mismatched schedules, and lack of ideas). She offers practical partnership ideas such as sharing speakers, prayer support and prayer points, church involvement in lunchtime groups and Bible studies, shared events, and cross-promotion, encouraging perseverance and patient, prayerful support.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:05 Polly’s New Diocese Role02:52 Five Goals for Chaplain Support04:32 Sharing Resources and PD Network08:27 How the Role Came About13:26 Polly’s Path into Chaplaincy16:58 Vision for School Church Partnerships21:20 Schools as a Temporary Faith Community22:46 Church Discipleship Depth23:43 Why Partnership Matters24:41 Survey Shows Willingness25:47 Time And Scheduling Barriers27:04 Making Space For Partnership28:45 Idea Fatigue And Brainstorming30:53 Practical Partnership Ideas35:28 Shared Events And Promotion37:01 When Efforts Stall41:54 How Churches Can Support45:00 Contact And Wrap UpConnect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]