Published on: 20/01/2026
I wonder: if you were asked to write down your vision for the work you do with children and young people, what would you say? Perhaps you already have a clear vision for the ministry, or maybe your church has a wider vision statement that also shapes children’s and youth ministry. If you can, take some time to write something down that reflects what you long to see. What do you want to see in the children and young people? What do you believe God wants to do among them?
We had a fascinating conversation in our home recently about eyesight. Two of my boys have excellent vision, while the other is short-sighted. My wife has worn glasses most of her life, and I’ve recently started using them for reading and computer work. Each of us sees the world slightly differently. Even when we look at the same object, what we notice can vary depending on distance, lighting, or whether we’re wearing glasses. At one point we found ourselves debating whether Grandma’s cardigan was green or blue. We couldn’t agree—until we noticed how different lighting made it appear to change colour, and how placing it next to other greens and blues seemed to shift our perception again.
That small moment reminded me how difficult it can be to agree on a single vision when we all see things differently. Yet when everyone is given space to speak, and when we choose to listen carefully to one another, we often learn quickly from those whose perspectives differ from our own. (For the record, the cardigan was green.)
I love the way children and young people see the world. They notice things I often miss. They are drawn to the interesting, the funny, the unusual, and the colourful. Their perspectives are refreshing and often insightful. Still, there are moments when all of us—adults and children alike—need help to see things differently or to see what lies ahead.
In Charlie Mackesy’s beautiful book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the boy says, “I can’t see a way through.” The horse replies, “Can you see your next step?” “Yes.” “Just take that.”
That gentle exchange feels deeply relevant to vision. Vision doesn’t always mean having everything mapped out. Sometimes it is simply about discerning the next faithful step.
So I wonder: what vision has God given you? Write it down, and encourage others who serve with children and young people in your church to do the same. Share these visions together. What common themes begin to emerge? What stands out? Can you sense how God may be leading you collectively?
Importantly, invite the children and young people themselves to share their vision for the ministry. Listen for how God speaks through every voice. A shared vision, shaped together, can build faith, expectation, and motivation within a team.
Can you see your next step?
This week’s Blog post was written by Mike North, Children and Young People’s Adviser