Spend a year with us exploring ministry, whilst gaining valuable life skills that will help to prepare you for your next steps. You will be given the opportunity to deepen your theological knowledge, gain practical and pastoral skills, and reflect on your personal faith journey.
Who should consider it? - This is an opportunity for anyone wanting to discover more about themselves, about God, and Christian ministry in the context of serving in the local church. It is designed for gap-year students wanting to explore their gifts and calling; those thinking of working longer-term in a church environment; those considering future Bible College or theological training and anyone wanting to invest a year to discern their next steps.
Ministry Trainees work in various local churches as part of the staff team, with dedicated mentoring as part of their role. The scheme partners with New Wine to offer some fantastic training from the
Discipleship Year programme, where trainees will also meet with others in similar roles in churches throughout the South East.
New Wine Discipleship Year - Whilst a lot can be learned ‘on the job’, it’s important for trainees to grow in their theological understanding. We are partnering with New Wine to offer trainees a structured training programme that will include:
- 8 hours of teaching each week with fellow trainees
- 2 residential weekends away (October and January)
- An optional mission trip abroad
- Serving on a team at New Wine United 2020
Teaching will take place at a local hub (Kent or Canterbury) where you will meet and learn with other trainees from across the South East. It is hoped to run a training hub in Tunbridge Wells if sufficient participants sign up for the year.
Trainees will then spend either 2 or 3 days working in the local church context and will find part-time work for the remaining 1 or 2 days. In some contexts, it may be possible for additional paid work within the placement church.
Costs - As an example – Christ Church, High Street are offering Ministry Trainees the opportunity to work as part of the staff team, with dedicated mentoring as part of their role. We are also partnering with New Wine to offer some fantastic training from the Discipleship Year programme, where trainees will also meet with others in similar roles in churches throughout the South East.
The Ministry Trainee will divide their time each week in the following way:
- 1.5 days volunteering – all day Sunday and half of another day
- 1 day employed work at Christ Church – paid at £6.15 per hour (minimum wage for 18-20 year olds)
- 1 day a week studying at New Wine DY hub (either in TW or at Canterbury)
- 2 days part-time work elsewhere (or 2 additional days volunteering)
- 1.5 days off.
Ensuring the Ministry Trainee is financially supported - As an example, Christ Church, High Street, have calculated that an appropriate budget for living costs for the trainee will be £541.67 per month, including food, personal travel and other living expenses.
This assumes accommodation is found with local church members at no additional cost.
As a church we could provide £199.88 each month by employing them for one day (7.5 hours) a week at minimum wage (£6.15 per hour).
This would leave the trainee requiring £341.79 a month which they could either fund from fundraising or savings, or by getting a part time job 2 days a week. A part-time job of 2 days a week (14hours) at minimum wage (£6.15 per hour) would provide them with £373.10 each month.
Overall cost to the church - The total cost of employing a ministry trainee for one day (7.5 hours) over 11 months at minimum wage (£6.15 per hour) would be £2,198. New Wine charges supporting churches £500. If a local hub was not deemed viable, trainees would be paid for their travel to Canterbury (St Mary Bredin) each week, which is £593.50 over 11 months. The total maximum cost to the Church will therefore be £3291.50.
Overall cost to the Ministry Trainee - The Ministry Trainee is expected to pay £1000 to New Wine towards the Discipleship year. They would also be expected to provide for their living expenses from either savings or a part time job. Based on our budget they would require £341.79 per month. Over 11 months this is £3759.69. In total the Discipleship year would therefore cost the Ministry Trainee £4759.69.
Applications - Applications for the Ministry Experience Scheme are now open for September 2019. Applicants will have to fill out an application form and will be invited to attend an interview with members of the church leadership team with which they will be placed. For more information or to request an application form, please contact
jan@cctw.org.uk.
Events at Burrswood
Sunday 12 May: 1.30-4.30pm - Charlie Bell Curiosities. £15 per session to include refreshments. Join Charlie Bell for some light-hearted discussion and creative writing about objects he will bring in from his cabinet of curiosities.
Saturday 18 May: Painting with Julie King - Local artist Julie King joins Burrswood once again for a series of days of watercolour painting, lunch and good conversation! Call 01892 865988 to find out more Materials for students to bring: Monet’s garden Canvas or board, approx size 20 x 16 inch Brushes: approx half inch flat brush and a medium sized round brush (nylon or hog hair). Paint and mixing palettes will be provided. Cost is £65 per person.
Tuesday 28 May: The Tempest – Open Air Theatre performed by the Handlebards. Gates open at 6pm and performance starts at 7pm. Ticket price £12 per person. Please call 01892 865988 to book your tickets.
A shipwreck washes the court of Milan up onto a mysterious desert island, inhabited by magicians, sprites and monsters, where nothing is as it seems…
Join our all-female troupe for a riotous bicycle powered production, filled with magic, musicality and Shakespearean mayhem. Bring chairs and a picnic - alternatively book into the Cafe for a delicious pre-show supper.
Saturday 22 June: Creative Workshops - Garden Birds. Enjoy a creative day of sculpting from 9.30am to 4pm for £60 including materials, refreshments and lunch, 9.30am – 4pm.
For all of the above, call Reservations on 01892 865988. To find out more or to book your place:
www.burrswood.org.uk
