Sparking conversations about God

SU’s Rooted resources can help you foster young people’s faith as you journey with them, whether you’re an experienced youth worker or doing outreach for the first time.

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Lucy Pearson who developed Rooted says, ‘The idea is to create a safe, welcoming space (a Rooted Hub) where young people can regularly gather to drop in and chat, or enjoy a shared interest – music, crafts; I’ve even heard of one based on Manga cartoons! During the session, you can use the Rooted resources to prompt discussion about issues that interest young people, and what the Bible has to say about them.’

The Rooted collection can be used with young people of different ages and stages of faith, and includes cards with discussion topics, a leader’s guide, and personal journals. ‘Giving a Rooted Journal to each young person lets them explore topics in more depth in their own time,’ Lucy says. ‘You can also use journals in one-to-one mentoring or small groups, on their own or alongside other Rooted resources.

‘There are journals for different stages of faith. The Rooted Grow Journal is for young people with fledgling faith. It has sections on key topics and what the Bible has to say about each. There’s an action to take, and space for writing prayers.’

There is even a Rooted Retreat in our holiday programme this year, bringing together Faith Guides and their young people to go deeper into some of the key Rooted themes. You can also organise your own, using tips on our website. One young person who did a Rooted retreat says, ‘Having a day away from home has been good; I wouldn’t usually have the chance to sit and pray or look at Bible verses… I thought God stuff was boring before but I don’t anymore.’