The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) is an opportunity for 18s-30s to spend a year serving God.
MES is a year out to grow in ministry and leadership skills through placements, training and mentoring. It gives participants the opportunity to explore their calling, learn more about themselves and develop their gifts. In our diocese MES is hosted at St Mary Bredin Church, Canterbury.
This voluntary year is free to do with accommodation and reasonable expenses provided. You will have an £88 weekly subsistence grant.
MES provides a broad ministry experience for young adults – discovering what you like and what you are good at. Each person’s year will look different but will be formed around practical experience, such as chaplaincy, social justice ministry, preaching and Sunday services, digital media, pastoral visiting, event organisation, evangelism and kids and youth work. Placements will be discerned with yourself and Stephen Carter (Associate Vicar, SMB).
Each Wednesday during term time you’ll join other participants at St Mary Bredin Church in Canterbury to follow the New Wine Discipleship Year curriculum. It doesn’t matter if you have no prior experience or already have a theology degree.
You will also spend two-day conferences with other MES participants nationally, join two New Wine Discipleship Year residentials, and be part of the New Wine Summer Festival team.
Closing date: 5 July 2024
For general information and an application pack, please contact Stephen Carter (scarter@smb.org.uk)
Future Youth
For anyone passionate about children and young people, the Future Youth strand of MES could be for you
Are you aged 18-29 and have a heart to serve the younger generation? Do you want to develop skills in children’s and youth ministry?
In our diocese, one of our three bold outcomes for 2030 is to double the number of children and young people in our churches. Future Youth participants test God’s calling on their lives by pursuing ministry in a safe and supportive environment and receiving training through a nationally run course, Aurora. There is also a fortnightly learning hub for Future Youth participants with Jen Tobin, Lead Officer for Children and Youth Ministry, here in our diocese.
All placements will be based in a supportive environment which will provide ministry opportunities across a range of ages and contexts, all with excellent supervision. Future Youth participants need to be available from September 2024 to August 2025.
You will be paid for 35 hours per week at £12p/h (real living wage). You will need to find your own accommodation and reasonable work expenses will be covered.
Closing date: 5 July 2024
Interviews: Mid July 2024
For further information and an application pack please contact Jen Tobin.
The Diocese of Canterbury is committed to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to DBS checks along with other relevant employment checks.