Scripture Union (SU) Groups are voluntary groups that have been meeting in schools since the 1940s. Today there are approximately 250 groups meeting in Primary, Post–Primary and Special schools across Northern Ireland. As each school community is unique, so is each SU Group, and leaders are free to develop a programme which best suits the age and stage of the pupils who attend.
SU Group leaders can include members of staff, parents and volunteers from the local churches, and all leaders will be approved by the principal of the school and be asked to sign up to SUNI’s Statement of Ethos. Where appropriate and possible, pupils should also be given roles and responsibilities and your SU Group may even have a Pupil Committee to help run and guide the Group.
Whilst each SU Group is different, they will all carry the same aims and values:
We aim to establish a community of mutual support and encouragement for Christian pupils
We aim to enable pupils to meet God through the Bible and grow in relationship with Him
We aim to equip Christian pupils to live for Jesus and share their faith with others
We aim to provide opportunities for all pupils to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus
Bible, Prayer, Community, Discipleship, Mission & Partnership.
(e.g. 2 Tim 3:15)
The Bible is central to the programme and pupils should be encouraged to:
– explore the teaching of the Bible using a variety of creative methods;
– interact with the Bible text – hearing and responding to what God says through it;
– apply Bible truth to their lives – especially in school.
(e.g. 1 Tim 2:1)
It is God who enables us to make disciples and as SU Group leaders and members our dependence on Him should be expressed in our commitment to:
– personal prayer and preparation;
– praying together as leaders;
– encouraging pupils to pray together;
– inviting prayer support from others.
(e.g. Acts 2:42–47)
Recognising that teachers and pupils come from a variety of different backgrounds, and denominations the SU group should seek to be a community in which:
– all pupils are made welcome (within the specified age range);
– friendships are formed and deepened;
– Christian values and lifestyle are modelled;
– the highest possible standards of safety and care are maintained.
(e.g. 15: 1–5;16)
The ultimate aim is to equip pupils for life–long discipleship and therefore the group should:
– encourage sincere, age–appropriate responses to the Gospel;
– encourage pupils to develop a close personal relationship with God;
– equip pupils to live out their faith especially in school and share it with others;
– provide opportunities for pupils to use and develop their gifts in serving others.
(e.g. Mark 16:15)
Disciples of all ages are commissioned to share their faith with others and therefore the group should be outwardly focused, aiming to reach out to others in the school through:
– the life and witness of the staff and pupils involved;
– outreach initiatives and events.
(e.g. Mark 16:15)
Disciples of all ages are commissioned to share their faith with others and therefore the group should be outwardly focused, aiming to reach out to others in the school through:
– the life and witness of the staff and pupils involved;
– outreach initiatives and events.
To find out more, or to explore the setting up of a new SU Group, contact Mark Moorhead (SUNI Schools Ministry Manager) or your local SUNI Schools Worker.
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