Strengthening Mission Through Formation: Worth School

Mission Needs Formation

Working with the Chaplaincy at Worth School

Schools often speak about forming young people in faith.

But behind every successful chaplaincy is a group of adults who themselves need ongoing formation and support.

At Worth School, the chaplaincy team recognised this reality very clearly.

Daniel Harris, Director of Mission at the school, invited me to work with the team over a number of years to support both the formation of the chaplaincy missionaries and his own leadership development.

A central part of the chaplaincy’s work is carried out by a group known as the Forerunners - young adult missionaries who live within the school community and accompany students pastorally and spiritually.

These young adults bring enormous enthusiasm and generosity to their work. But like anyone engaged in ministry, they also need time and space to deepen their own spiritual lives.

Through retreats and formation sessions we explored themes such as prayer, the sacramental life of the Church and the relationship between personal encounter with Christ and missionary outreach.

Alongside this work with the team, I also met regularly with Daniel for leadership coaching.

These conversations provided space to reflect on the challenges of leading a growing ministry within the life of a busy school community. Leadership in such environments often involves balancing vision, relationships and practical responsibilities.

Daniel later reflected that the conversations helped him integrate his faith more deeply with his work and navigate the day-to-day realities of leading a team.

Looking back, what stands out most from this partnership is a simple truth: mission flourishes when leaders themselves are supported and formed.

When leaders grow, the communities they serve are able to grow as well.