About Us

Introduction to Scripture Union

Scripture Union is a movement of volunteers from different churches who are committed to working with children, young people and families. Programs give participants positive experiences and help them learn and grow together. Within each of the programs people have the opportunity to hear about the Christian faith in a non pressured environment so they can make their own decisions in relation to faith and beliefs.

Scripture Union started in 1867 in Wales and has spread to over 120 countries around the world. Each country operates independently, seeking ways to best work according to the local situation. There is an international agreed statement of Aims, Belief and Working Principles. These various countries seek to support and encourage each other through regional offices. In Australia, each state is a separate and autonomous body working co-operatively as Scripture Union in Australia.

Scripture Union South Australia has been incorporated since 1947. Currently Scripture Union is involved in Family Missions, holiday camps for high school and primary school students, Christian Option Programs in government schools, clubs for students in primary and high schools, community based holiday programs, training in children’s work, providing resources for church work and for regular Bible reading.

Scripture Union is a non-profit organisation whose major source of funding is from donations from individuals and churches.
The movement in South Australia is an incorporated body governed by a council who oversees the work for the staff and committees responsible for each area of the work. Currently there are 600 volunteers and 11 staff working together to provide programs for around 12,000 participants.

In striving to run high quality programs, a considerable amount of time is spent in training of leaders and preparation of programs. The resulting reputation is a high one.

Scripture Union in South Australia
Schools

Primary Christian Option Programs. Approximately 4,000 upper primary students each year in their classroom discover Jesus through drama, puppets, video, supplementing reading the gospels. Conducted with and behalf of local church councils. These programs are run over several sessions. Scripture Union also runs one-session seminars for thousands of other students each year in both Primary and Secondary Schools.
SUPA (Scripture Union Primary Age) Clubs. Lunchtime programs for primary students.
Secondary school groups. Lunchtime groups offer Christian fellowship and equipping for outreach.
Schools Ministry Group (SMG). Scripture Union is part of the SMG which coordinates Christian Pastoral Support Workers in state schools and conducts secondary Christian Option seminars.

Missions

Family Missions, Teenage Events, Holiday Happenings
Usually conducted at holiday times and often in conjunction with local church councils, these activities bring the gospel in a contemporary setting.

Camps

Adventure camps, study camps, music/art/drama camps. Sometimes in conjunction with Christian Pastoral Support Workers in schools or other church groups.
A number of these are specifically aimed at children from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds and form part of a wider support program.

Training

On-the-Job Training including internships and Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management).
Seminars, workshops, formal classes (eg training of students in Ministry Experience week for the Bible College of South Australia).
Informal consultations (particularly children and youth ministries).
Participation on advisory groups.
Childsafe (safety system for organisations working with children).

Resources

“engage” – a joint initiative of Scripture Union SA and Bible Society SA. The aim of the engage project is to help people better “engage” with God through His Word. Our vision is to see people inspired to commit to seeking God every day in Bible and prayer.
Dated Bible Reading Guides for All ages (2,000 users in SA).
Integrated Sunday School Materials (425 teachers and 1,850 student users in SA).
Leader’s resource material including books and videos.
“Bridging the Gap” – seminars and regional networks. For people in local churches to develop skills and be well resourced to engage cross-culturally with their neighbours, especially migrants and refugees.