Future Youth is a strand of the Ministry Experience Scheme, which focuses specifically on supporting people from 18-29 to explore ministry with children and youth people. 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.
In the Diocese of Canterbury, one of our three bold outcomes for 2030 is to double the number of children and young people in our churches, which is why we are pleased to be able to support churches who wish to offer a placement.
Participants are employed by their placement church from September to August. The majority of this cost is subsidised by both our diocese and national church. Placement churches need to make a financial commitment of approximately £6,000 for the year.
Jen Tobin, Lead Officer for Children and Youth Ministry said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for churches to become involved in grassroots training for the next generation of youth ministers. This scheme is a win/win. Participants gain experience in children's and youth ministry, placement churches benefit from new insights and energy from partipants, and our diocese contributes to the training and support of homegrown youth ministers."
Placement churches need to offer a supportive and engaging environment for participants to fully experience the delivery of children and youth ministry. Placement churches and participants are supported by the Diocese, with funding, training and advice and work in partnership together. The participant is responsible for thier own accommodation.
If you are interested in partnering with the Diocesan Future Youth programme, or would like to find out more, please contact our Lead Officer for Children and Youth Ministry, Jen Tobin by 5 July at the latest. Please also contact Jen if you know of any young people who would like to partipate in the scheme.
For general information on Future Youth visit the Church of England’s website.