About Paraklesis 

Welcome to Paraklesis, "The Association of Children's, Youth and Families Ministers." 

Why Paraklesis?

The word means "to draw alongside" and "to be an advocate". That is what we want the Association to be - alongside; supporting, encouraging and equipping those working in children's, youth and family ministry. Paraklesis is a project of a new charitable umbrella body for supporting all those in lay ministry.
 

What will Paraklesis Provide?

For children's, youth and families ministers we will provide "Association Membership" with the following benefits :

• Membership of a professional body that will set and recommend standards, enable and encourage ministry development and provide advocacy for our members.
• Access to a powerful network of children's, youth and families ministers to inspire, encourage and equip you in ministry.
• A FREE mentoring session each year from our mentoring hub of experienced practitioners.
• Access to discounts and rewards through our supporters (check out current offers via our "Supporters" page).
• Access to recommended providers of support services for those experiencing difficulties in the work place (e.g. stress, breakdown of relationships, unfair treatment or discrimination).

For Churches we will provide "Church Membership" with the following benefits :

• A benchmark charter which will put in place values, structure and support enabling children's, youth and families ministry to flourish.
• A suite of "good practice" resources that will help churches concerned about mentoring, line management, supervision and support for their children's, youth and families ministers.

Paraklesis is grateful for the discussions we have had with denominational leads for children's, youth and families ministry - including Church of England, Baptist Union, Methodist, URC and Elim.
 

Fees?

Associate Membership : Ministry Students - FREE (If there is at least one academic year remaining on their course when they join); Part Time Children's, Youth and Families Ministers and Lead Volunteers - £25 per annum; Full Time Children's, Youth and Families Ministers - £50 per annum. 

Church Membership : For churches membership is £100 (If they meet the criteria required for the Church Charter). This is renewable every three years. The fee covers the costs associated with helping churches attain the standard required for Charter membership and checking documents / policies and the conducting of brief interviews with leadership and staff.