Ministries - What we do

SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN GROUPS
SU is active in hundreds of primary and high schools across South Africa, where our staff train and support voluntary workers to run evangelistic programmes. Through this work thousands of otherwise unchurched children and young people are learning more about the good news of Jesus Christ. Given the multi-faith nature of our schools, it is vital that Christian teachers are also supported and encouraged to witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. School Christian Groups play an important role in achieving this objective.

LIFESKILLS
Through our Lifeskills programme for primary and both junior and high school pupils, young people are taught how to develop a positive self-image; make right choices; handle sexual and family relationships responsibly and how to overcome prejudice and cope with the temptation of crime.

CAMPING
SU believes in the benefits of wholesome and healthy outdoor activities in young people’s development. We run many children’s and teens’ camps, where young people enjoy the fun of being together, and have the opportunity of thinking more deeply about spiritual things.

HOLIDAY CLUBS
Non-residentual holiday clubs under the SU banner are a feature in many communities, where for no cost children enjoy the fun of activities and learn more about Jesus Christ and His love for them. It is a five day evangelistic activity aimed at reaching out to churched and unchurched children with the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the context of their families, communities and churches, by a team of trained and committed Christians, who are acquainted with the values of SU.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Intergral to all our programmes is the training given to all our leaders. Scripture Union staff train and enable thousands of volunteer leaders who serve on our activities, as well as leaders of School Christian Groups. Team building exercises, spiritual challenges and training in communication skills lead to a growth in personal development and character. These young people return to enrich their own communities through new skills learnt.

Trendsetters - Training in Evangelism and Discipleship
The Trendsetter programme offers young volunteer leaders a 6 to 12 month personal growth and leadership training experience. The programme begins in mid January and ends after the camping and holiday club season in July or December.
Successful applicants receive training in personal discipleship, basic theology, personal leadership development, counselling and programming, as well as presentation skills such as drama and clowning. Trendsetters are also trained in the facilitation and presentation of the SU Lifeskills course.

After the initial training period, the Trendsetter are each assigned to one of a SU Community Schools Worker. He/she will work alongside the Schools Worker for the period that he/she is involved in SU. Trendsetters will help the Schools Worker present the Lifeskills courses in schools. They will also be involved in running camps on weekends and during the holidays. Trendsetters may also be required to perform certain admin duties as well as help in the general maintenance of SU property and equipment (for example: work on a campsite).

Each Trendsetter needs to enlist friends who will offer prayer and financial support. Fees need to be paid at the beginning of each month. Fees cover training costs as well as all the fees of the camps that the Trendsetter attends. Overseas candidates and candidates from other provinces will also need to raise additional financial support in order to cover their board and lodging. Help and advice will be given to students accepted onto the programme in the raising of the required support.

Who can be a Trendsetter?

• Anyone aged from 18 - 25 with an interest in schools, camping holiday clubs, admin work, who is willing to get stuck in
• Anyone who has finished school or college/university and is looking for "a year out" before starting the next chapter of their life
• Anyone willing to spend 6 - 12 months serving God in this way. This is not full time employment.
• All volunteers must be committed Christians willing to subscribe to SU’s statement of belief

Testimonies
"The greatest thing about the SU Trendsetter programme is the variety of activities; from leading a mission at a private school to camping with kids from poverty-stricken townships, running school Christian Union groups and confirmation classes Also being involved in summer mini camps as well as camps for underprivileged children - it’s amazing!" -Natalie

"I could talk endlessly about the openness and honesty of the children that I have met during this year. It surprised me and made me realise how desperately they need God in their lives and how important my role is." - Jackie