Do you have a heart to serve the younger generation? Do you want to develop skills in children’s and youth work?
Future Youth logo with strapline

The Church of England wants to develop and support 30,000 leaders of mission with children, young people and families (CYPF) by 2030; some of these new leaders will be paid roles within the church. Future Youth (FY), a strand of the MES, is a chance for those aged 18-30 to spend a year growing in young people and children’s ministry.

Youth and children’s work lays the groundwork for the future of the church. By investing in leaders, now, churches are creating spaces for young people and children to grow in spirit and in numbers. And as a part of Future Youth, you would stand as an advocate for young people and children.It is a chance to actively invest actively into the growth of young people and children, the church, and your own personal journey.

Future Youth is partnering with Aurora for centrally run training that will form part of everyone’s year.

Launched in September 2023 with 11 participants across 6 schemes. We are looking to expand in September 2024 with more schemes and more participants. Fuller information about these opportunities will be available from March 2024. Please email [email protected] if you would like to register you interested in the year now.

Over the years people have already discerned a call to children’s and youth work through MES, as the two stories below illustrate. It is hoped that Future Youth will enable more people to do the same.

Dave, a participant in the 2023 Ministry Experience Sheme

“I was attracted to the MES because as someone who is wanting to move into a youth worker job in the future this course offered the best way of preparing me for that.

Through MES I have the opportunity to give a year serving in church setting and see exactly what it would look like working for a church as well as enabling me to grow in confidence and various gifts that will help prepare for a future job within a youth ministry. I am excited to be involved in church life, serve alongside other interns, learn and grow and have the opportunity to devote an entire year to God.”

Dave
Current participant in Leeds diocese, starting as a church youth worker in September

“My MES year has been so great for exploring my calling into youth ministry. I've loved being part of a church where I've worked alongside an established team, been mentored and released to try out new ventures like running Bible studies and youth socials. I've been stretched to get out of my comfort zone in the wider church ministries as well.

I would definitely recommend MES.”

Emily
Past participant in Bath and Wells diocese, now a church youth worker

Emily, past participant in Ministry Experience Scheme

Source URL: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/vocations/ministry-experience-scheme/future-youth