Canterbury Ministry Experience Scheme

If you are aged 18 to 29 and want to: develop a secure understanding of your identity in Christ; Grow in reading and understanding God’s word; Increase in godliness, self-discipline, and joy; Be equipped to use your spiritual gifts to serve God’s church, and; Spend a year in church-based ministry, then MES might be for you!

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 Festivals team.

It’s important that MES is made free for you to do but it is a voluntary year. Placements will provide accommodation, cover reasonable expenses and offers a weekly subsistence grant of £88 to enable your full participation.

Canterbury is also offering Future Youth placements. In addition to the Aurora training, there will be a fortnightly learning hub for FY participants with Jen Tobin (Lead Officer for Children and Youth Ministry). All placements will provide ministry opportunities across a range of ages and contexts, all with excellent supervision. FY participants will need to be available from September 2024 – August 2025. They will be paid for 35 hours per week at £12 p/h (real living wage). Participants will need to find their own accommodation. Reasonable work expenses will be covered.