Photocredit: Heather Martin, Pioneer Centre Activity Day, 2025
The groundbreaking Youth Hub initiative is moving from pilot phase to full project, with communities across the diocese embracing this fresh approach to ministry with young people in a rural context.
The project which operates on a hub and spoke model has achieved its initial goals in the original pilot areas and is beginning to generate interest across the diocese. It is starting to shift how parishes approach youth and children's ministry.
"The original vision remains compelling, but what we're witnessing is something even more amazing," explains Lizzie Hackney, Lead Intergenerational Missioner and Youth Hub Lead for Hereford Diocese. "We've kept praying throughout and gained so much local understanding through careful planning. This has enabled us to explore where God is leading whilst maintaining our shared vision. We're seeing parishes transform their approach to ministry with young people, it’s really exciting."
The pilot programme's early achievements lie in its adaptability – being broad enough to serve diverse contexts whilst focused enough to ensure shared vision. Areas with traditionally low numbers of young people have identified themselves as 'spokes', this helps church culture see that few children and young people aren’t necessarily a problem but an opportunity for growth and renewal in a fresh way.
"Without the 'spoke' element, our project locations simply wouldn't be where they are today," Lizzie explains. "We're seeing volunteers move from seeing themselves as 'helping' to genuinely 'leading', which has been transformational not just for young people but for entire church communities."
Revd Preb. Stephanie Fountain, who is the Priest in Charge of the Ridgeway Benefice and Rural Dean of Clun Forest Deanery, adds: ”I am delighted to see the Youth Hub begin to extend its work around the Deanery, building on pre-existing good relationships with local primary schools and churches. It is a joy to see how enthusiastic our young people are about what is being offered to them after school.”
The programme's reach extends beyond young people themselves, with pilots now developing plans to work with parents who have expressed keen interest in their children's growing involvement. This family-focused approach positions the Hub initiative as a significant building block to building faith journeys and helping the diocese achieve its stated ambition to grow younger and build new worshipping communities.
School Chaplains have emerged as crucial elements in the discipleship pathway, whilst strategic partnerships, particularly with MCYN (Missional Youth Church Network), have enabled contextual listening and collaborative learning across different settings.
The project evaluation continues to emphasise that preparation with participating parishes has been essential to success. Heather Martin, Youth Hub Co-ordinator notes: "The importance of thorough parish preparation cannot be underestimated. When communities are properly prepared and supported, we see genuine transformation in their approach to intergenerational ministry."
Despite early recruitment delays requiring a short extension to the pilot timeline – a decision viewed positively at this developmental stage – the programme continues to grow. Learning from previous Strategic Development Fund projects gave the team confidence to wait for the right appointments. Ven Derek Chedzey, Archdeacon of Hereford, adds: “This has resulted in us appointing team members who feel well-supported with appropriate development opportunities.”
As interest spreads across the diocese, the team is carefully managing expectations whilst developing robust evidence for the full discipleship pathway.
"We have 'lots going on in lots of places' now, which is incredibly encouraging," adds Heather. "The challenge is being wise about how we use our time and energy whilst this model beds in and expands naturally. We're seeing other areas think more missionally and develop their own specific plans. The key learning has been the importance of building a team and leaning into prayer so that God is always at the centre. These are the foundations for any parish considering its next steps."
The programme represents a significant shift in diocesan youth ministry, moving from isolated individual positions to collaborative teams that create sustainable, integrated community networks. The diocese serves 400+ churches across Herefordshire and south Shropshire, with the Youth Hub initiative reflecting its commitment to nurturing faith across all generations.