Leeds Ministry Experience Scheme

The Diocese of Leeds has been running the Ministry Experience Scheme successfully for many years, bringing together people from a range of backgrounds and traditions and providing them with the opportunity to experience ministry in a variety of churches across this large and diverse diocese in the North of England.

Over 11 months, the programme gives participants the chance to:

• be rooted in a local church and get involved in a wide variety of ministries
• spend a day a week gathering with others on the scheme for reflection and training in ministry, discipleship, theology, leadership and bible study
• apply and stretch their learning in the churches and communities they serve
• take time to explore their vocation with support from the internship team, church placement overseer, a mentor and the Diocesan Vocations staff
• explore inner city ministry, rural ministry, suburban ministry alongside specialist short term placements in resource churches, church plants or multicultural contexts

From September 2024 and in partnership with St George’s Church Leeds, we will be offering a Future Youth placement for those aged 18-30 who have a heart young people and children and want to focus and grow in this area of ministry. 

Here is what Jess, one of our MES participants who is now training for ordination, said: “The Ministry Experience Scheme has given me the space to invest more in my relationship with God in my own time in addition to learning about the Bible and worshipping with other young people exploring ministry. I’ve been challenged to step outside my comfort zone, explore gifts I didn’t know I had and grow in those areas I am passionate about. I felt incredibly supported and encouraged in my calling and walk with Jesus, but the year has also brought amazing memories of fun, joy and laughter with housemates and other MES participants which I will treasure for life.”

Find out more on the Leeds Diocesan website.