Pilots today

Where And When Do Pilots Meet?

Pilots is a Christian organisation for all children and young people.  It is part of the United Reformed Church and sponsored by the Congregational Federation.  Pilots companies exist in a variety of denominations and can be opened in any denomination or in situations of ecumenical co-operation.

Pilots companies can currently be found in England, Wales and Scotland.  They usually meet on mid-week evenings but there are some who meet on Sunday mornings.  Some companies grow out of a week long holiday club and others are started because the local church is refreshing its ministry with children and young people.

To the local church, Pilots:

• is a mission resource
• enables self-discovery in a fun, secure environment
• helps young people to grow in the Christian faith
• gives an opportunity to respond to God
• is rooted in the world-wide church

It is widely recognised that Pilots can enhance the work carried out in church on Sundays.  Some churches do not have any children or young people attending church on a Sunday, and Pilots can become a point of contact, Christian teaching, and development for children who would otherwise not have any contact with the church.

Pilots advocates the importance and relevance of mid-week worship with children, young people and adults and celebrates that many are discovering a relationship with God in this way.

As society continues to change, Pilots is at the forefront of respecting modern family and modern church needs.

Pilots Companies use the Compass as the basis of their programme. the Compass contains material for each of the 4 Pilots age ranges as well as a games section and a treasure chest section with projects suitable for all ages. There is also general information including child protection guidelines, a suggested meeting format and pointers to other useful resources.