SWYM ASSOCIATE STREAM
Course Aims
The SWYM Associate programme offers regular local gatherings of like minded people in youth ministry, to learn, support and pray for each other, plus attendance at our bi-monthly conferences.
Qualification
None - not applicable.
Entry Criteria
None - although you'll usually be a full-time youth worker.
Course Length
As long as you are a member of SWYM - although you should be learning your whole life long!
Course Outline
The SWYM Associate programme is something different!  Many youthworkers, particularly in rural areas, can feel isolated and often would like some regular input into their walk with Jesus from a youth work perspective, plus the chance to meet others in a similar situation to share the journey. The SWYM Associate programme gives you this through weekly cluster meetings and bi-monthly conferences. It’s likely you are a salaried youth worker who doesn’t want a formal training course, but would like some further support and development in your particular ministry.
Course Overview
Usually meeting weekly for a morning, SWYM trainees and Associates gather together to share, pray and worship and often have some kind of training or Biblical input, at what we call a local ‘cluster’ meeting. These happen alongside the regular conferences, which last for three days and include teaching on a wide range of relevant topics plus worship, prayer and time for fellowship with other youth leaders an ministers.  There’s a year long programme of informal workshop sessions delivered by expert leaders each morning, followed by afternoon sessions ranging from pastoral support to updates on youth events across the South West.  Evenings and mornings include worship and input on a theme for each conference, delivered by speakers from around the globe.  

Topics covered in the past have included:
  • Leadership development
  • Led mini-retreats
  • In depth studies of Bible books
  • Topical sessions, e.g. Christians and politics
  • Evangelism, discipleship and disciplines

Then content is developed each year in consultation with SWYM Associates so is in effect a personalised programme for each participant.
Assessment
None.
Accreditation
None.
Cost
It will cost your church or project £800 for you to become a SWYM Associate. For this you get regular support at cluster, and get to attend six 3-day conferences a year.
Course Dates
You are welcome to become an Associate at any time.
For more information
Please contact SWYM info@swym.org.uk or fill in an interested form.