The Ministry Experience Scheme

Serve God’s Kingdom | Explore Your Calling

Explore ministry.

The Ministry Experience Scheme is a national initiative to help young adults find out more about serving God’s Kingdom in the local church. We are running the scheme here at Christ Church, for up to three candidates every year, starting in September. Watch this video to find out more:

Future Youth is a new strand of MES that focuses on providing youth and children's ministry opportunities for those who would specifically like to explore this important and much needed area of ministry. If you already know you are passionate about children's and/or youth work then this could be for you.

 
 

If you join the scheme at Christ Church, you will be involved in many aspects of our church’s ministry, experiencing a wide range of activities but with around half your time working as part of a team in our children, youth or student ministry areas.

We always take your interests, passions and calling into account as we consider where and how you can serve.

A key aspect of your time with us is training. We set apart time each week to discuss and learn together, usually with members of the leadership team or external leaders. This involves both theological learning and practical support to build your leadership and team skills.

As part of the scheme, we also think it’s important for you to widen your experience of the Christian faith in action so we love to offer you external training and fellowship events such as the HTB Leadership Conference in London and the Wildfires/Big Church Day Out festival in West Sussex.

Make it stand out

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

FAQs

  • The scheme is aimed at young people, from all backgrounds, to give you the space and time to test God’s calling on your lives and the chance to experience practical ministry, enrich your theological understanding and further your personal development, all with the support of dedicated supervisors and a wide peer group.

  • The scheme will allow you to experience what it’s like to work for a busy Church of England parish church and get involved in all aspects of the church’s life and ministry. At the end of the year we hope you will have strengthened your faith, expanded your bible knowledge, built up your leadership and organisational skills and have made some great friendships.

  • Christ Church will match you up with a local host family from the congregation, within easy access of church. They will provide you with free board and lodging for the year in their home.

  • The scheme aims to be cost-free for all candidates. Accommodation and food are provided by your host family and any work related, training or travel expenses are covered by church. You will receive a modest monthly expense payment to cover any other living costs.

  • If you’re interested in the scheme and want to find out more then please email liz.ord@ccwinch.org.uk for more information and to request an application form.