20/01/2025

A Church of England scheme that helps young people to explore their vocation has been described as a ‘great hope’ for the future, as more than 100 young people gathered for its annual conference.
Young adults aged between 18 and 30 years old with the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) met for a day of learning, networking and worship at St Mary’s in Marylebone, central London.
The event was led by participants from the Diocese of London, with speakers including the Bishop of Plymouth and his wife Dr Liz Grier, who is a recently ordained curate, and the Rev Dr Grace Bally-Balogun, Church Plant Enabler at The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication
The Rev Canon Nick McKee, Director of the Church of England’s Ministry Development Team, who led a short commissioning service for the participants, said: “Over 900 young people from all backgrounds and traditions have explored God’s call on their lives since the MES began over a decade ago.
“The energy, boldness and humility of this group is truly inspiring and offers the Church and the communities we serve across the country, a sign of great hope for the future.
“It was a joy to be able to commission the current cohort as they dedicate a year to God.”
Speaking to participants, the Rev Helen Fraser, Head of Vocations and Deputy Director of the Church of England’s Ministry Development Team, said: “The Church of England has always had need of faithful, hope-filled, gospel-centred people to serve and to lead its worshipping communities.
“That need is particularly profound at the moment and I and others pray regularly for more people, from all different backgrounds, to discern a call to ministry – lay and ordained, in all kinds of communities.
“We have prayed and continue to pray for you. I believe God continues to have good plans and purposes for his church.”
For more than a decade, MES has provided a broad ministry experience for young adults.
Each person’s year is 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.
Participants described their favourite thing about the scheme so far. Hannah from Durham highlighted “the opportunity to actually serve the Church, to join in with a little bit of preaching and also get involved in some activities with the children.”
Speaking after the gathering, the Bishop of Plymouth, James Grier, said: “It was wonderful to meet so many young people who are actively exploring God’s calling on their lives whilst serving local churches of all shapes and sizes.
“It is fantastic that they have this opportunity to experience ministry in the context of a wider cohort of peers whilst also receiving such great local and national input. It is a brilliant way to foster and develop vocations across the church.”
If you are aged 18 to 30 and want to discern more clearly the calling God has for you, then a Ministry Experience Scheme year will give you the opportunity to discover your unique gifts and skills through Christian ministry and leadership experience.