How to start an SU Group - Scripture Union Scotland

Team Leaders’ Manual – School SU Groups
Introduction
Each school day across Scotland, around 1,250 pupils meet with school staff, church leaders,
parents, senior pupils and other volunteers in “Scripture Union Groups” to explore the Bible and
respond to what they read there. We want to thank all of you who have recently become involved
in this work, and all of you who have been involved in SU groups for many years.
This Team Leaders’ Manual has been written by the Regional Workers and Associate Workers of SU
Scotland to give you ideas, resources and stimulation to make the most of your SU Group and the
opportunity it presents for children and young people of Scotland to explore the Bible and respond
to the significance of Jesus. There are variations in the early chapters for those working in Primary,
Secondary and Special Needs schools and the chapter about setting up an SU Group is only provided
to leaders initiating new groups –if you are really keen to see it, you can find it on the SU Scotland
Website or from your local staff member.
On the subject of staff, we’ll use the phrase “local staff member” to refer to Associate Workers,
Local Area Workers and Regional Workers and assume that you know which person you relate to
directly. Similarly the “local office” may be the Regional office or the office of your local Trust that is
associated with SU Scotland and employs their own staff member. Someone must have posted this
to you so you should know where to contact us but if you don’t, please call our Regional Department
in our Head Office in Glasgow on 0141 352 7631 or follow the link called “Who is my local worker”
on the front page of our website www.suscotland.org.uk
This manual is provided to the Team Leader or person who we see as responsible for the leading of
an SU group. You are at liberty to make further copies of this for other members of your team if you
wish as you work through the ideas contained within. The advice and ideas contained within it are
not exclusive to “Scripture Union Groups” and may well be helpful to those leading school groups
not affiliated to SU Scotland, or to church youth groups.
SU Scotland’s Volunteer Handbook needs to be read in conjunction with this Team Leaders’ manual
as it is that document which outlines our policies and procedures for all SU activities. It also directs
you to the SU Scotland Emergency Contact number which many people only associate with Holiday
Activities but is available to assist with Child Protection or other challenges for Group Leaders.
We wish you God’s blessing on your work for Him and assure you of the prayers of our staff and
countless supporters as you undertake this frontline role with SU Scotland.
Regional Ministries Department,
SU Scotland
January 2012
January 2012