You don’t have to do ministry alone.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in children’s, youth or families ministry for years, the 360 Community is here to give you the support, connection and encouragement you need to thrive.
Why 360?
Ministry can be isolating. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing it on your own — with more responsibility than support. That’s why we created the 360 Community.
360 is designed to wrap around you with regular rhythms of encouragement, training and rest. It’s not just a programme — it’s a community of leaders like you, serving churches across the South West.
We are currently taking 19 children’s, families and youth workers through a pilot year, and will be launching a range of resources in January 2026 to provide 360º support for key volunteers and employees across the South West.
Who is it for?
If you’re a paid or lead volunteer children’s, families or youth leader based in the South West, 360 is for you. You might be in your first role, or you might have years of experience — either way, you’re welcome here.
You’ll get the most out of 360 if you can commit to the rhythms we offer, but we also understand the reality of ministry life. Our goal is to support, not overwhelm.
What’s included?
Annual Retreat: A 30-hour retreat with the whole 360 Community, including space to worship, receive prayer and rest.
Annual Conversation: A moment each year to check-in with the leader and their line manager and to offer line manager training if helpful.
Learning Communities: Termly online exploration of a book exploring either Head (theology), Heart (devotional), or Hands (leadership), including author Q&A.
Small Groups: Monthly local gatherings for encouragement, accountability and support, including a theological reflection resource for each gathering.
Professional Development Day: One free day of input held at Lee Abbey in North Devon.
Annual Commissioning: Join the team in September to be commissioned into a new year of service, and to be prayed for all year around by SWYM supporters.
Paraklesis: membership of the Association of Children’s, Youth and Families Ministers (worth £50), giving access to exclusive discounts and resources.
Call to Prayer: Weekly 30-minute online moment to stop and pray for children, young people and families, and for each other.
Additional Extras:
The following resources are available at an additional cost:
Annual Pilgrimage: Join us to walk and pray for 2-3 days along ancient paths across the South West.
Bespoke Coaching: Three individual coaching sessions with an expert in an area of ministry or leadership.
Professional Development Days: SWYM hold three additional days across the year.
What people are saying about 360 Community
The 360 community is a opportunity for me to connect with other like minded people who share the same vision. The weekly call to prayer is a great way to feel supported, support others and celebrate what God is doing.
Rosie
As a children’s and family worker I rarely get time to stop and reflect. The retreat allowed me the time to stop, reflect and to connect with other youth and children’s workers. I came back to work feeling refreshed and inspired.
Denise
Join 360
Cost
360 Community costs £360 for the year – this includes all the resources listed above (except optional extras).
If cost is a barrier, or you’re not sure how to fund it, we’re happy to help you explore options with your denomination or church. Just drop us a message.
I had no hesitation in joining SWYM’s 360 Community Pilot Year. Evidence shows those in Children’s, Families, and Youth Ministry are becoming increasingly isolated, overworked and under-resourced, with very little time for retreat, peer to peer input and personal/professional development.
360 Community offers opportunities to pray, to retreat, to learn and to connect with others on an almost weekly basis. These rhythms will be vitally important for the next generation of ministry leaders to learn and practice and I am proud to be part of the shaping of this year.
Iain, Children & Families’ Minister
Got a Question?
Email us at 360@swym.org.uk or call us on: 01395 487071.
Want to share this with your leaders?
You can Download Information Pack to share with your team.