Mission House Initiative Marks First Birthday, Supports Youth Ministry and Community Outreach

Mission House in Broadstone, a new initiative by the United Reformed Church’s Wessex Synod, has marked its first birthday as a springboard for young people to explore their calling in ministry. The project was born from two key questions: how can young adults seeking to engage in church outreach find a structured environment to develop their gifts, and how can churches with vision but limited resources receive support to bring their mission to life?

The Synod proposed a residence where individuals could gain hands-on experience in ministry, including training and mentorship, while also providing churches with the extra drive needed to expand their outreach efforts. Broadstone United Reformed Church (URC) responded to this call, establishing Mission House next door in the former manse. The church already had a strong families’ ministry, including the award-winning Pop-In worship for children and parents on Saturdays. However, reaching out further to school-aged children, many of whom passed through the church car park on their way to school, remained a challenge.

Gill McDonald, the church’s Children’s Youth Work and Families Coordinator, noted, “We had the will but not the way.” This gap was filled by Taylor Hawkins, the first resident at Mission House. Taylor had felt a calling to be a Church Related Community Worker (CRCW) but lacked a space to explore that vocation. “Mission House was about consolidating my experience and understanding more about what my calling is,” Taylor explained.

The initiative also helped Broadstone URC refine its outreach strategy. Taylor began by researching the community and existing activities to identify gaps and opportunities. Focusing on children and young people, Taylor led the creation of a Christian Union group at the local middle school. They also expanded the Pop-In program and played a key role in hosting the annual Broadstone Christmas Market inside the church when outdoor setup was not possible. The event, which included a coffee morning and children’s activities, was so successful that vendors reported better sales than when setting up on Weymouth Pier.

The initiative has also opened new possibilities for engaging local secondary school children who pass by the church daily. “We’ve got this key opportunity,” Taylor said, “so let’s find something they can connect with.” Through Mission House, young people like Taylor are not only discovering their calling but also helping churches like Broadstone URC realize their mission in meaningful ways.

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