MINISTRY TRAINEE SCHEME
Join us, as a volunteer, for a one or two year full-time training scheme, in a local church context, aimed at equipping men and women for future gospel ministry.
Christ Church is a growing evangelical Anglican church located in the heart of Cambridge. We aim to be contemporary, informal and accessible, because we believe that God speaks to people today through his word, the Bible. We are committed to working with young adults, families, children and teenagers, as well as students, internationals and older people in the local area.
The training scheme is designed to give volunteers the experience of what work within church ministry is like. To that end, the scheme will normally be based at Christ Church from 8.30am on weekdays and from 8am on a Sunday although there may be times this will differ according to ministry need. In addition, the scheme will include some evening and weekend meetings, usually relating to a specific part of the volunteers’ ministry training and church family events and a church small group.
Contact the office for details about Ministry Trainee Grants and Accommodation provision.
“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
TRAINING IN…
The scheme at Christ Church is roughly divided into three parts: training and involvement in practical service; training and involvement in specific church ministries; and training for theological understanding and application to ministry.
CHURCH MINISTRY
Participation and leading in different aspects of ministry, including: Children, Youth, 20-30’s, and Seniors.
More information +
Training will consist of a combination of work shadowing and participation in different aspects of ministry. There will be a focus on ministry skills, for example: leading groups, planning and participating in evangelistic events, teaching children, planning and participating in activities for young people including residential weekends, work with students. There will also be opportunities with other church groups, local schools, planning and participating in services, giving talks.
THEOLOGY
Attending the 'Training for East Anglia Ministry' course one day per week as well as completing and discussing 'Study Projects' on theological topics.
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It would be normal for a first-year trainee to attend the Training for East Anglia Ministry course which takes place one day a week during term time. Preparation and additional study are required. The course focuses on learning to understand the Bible and how to apply it to our own lives and to our contemporary culture as well as to teach it effectively to others. Other courses may be recommended. This training will be paid for by the church.
PRACTICAL SERVICE
Learning by undertaking practical activities and tasks that support the running of the church.
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Involvement in this part of the scheme will chiefly involve learning by undertaking practical activities and physical tasks that support the running of the church. For example, setting up activities, meetings and services. It will also include welcoming visitors, and assisting the office staff with administration including photocopying, printing, word processing, cleaning and other general administration. Appropriate computer-based training will be provided. All Ministry Trainees receive health and safety training including food hygiene, heavy lifting and safeguarding in keeping with our policies.
WHY APPLY?
Hear what past Ministry Trainees say about the scheme.
“The two-year traineeship I did at Christ Church was a very formative experience for me, both in personal spiritual growth as well as a means of testing out my calling to full-time ministry. I had loads of opportunities to serve the church family, to discover my gifts and put them into practice. I also received theological training through attending TEAM and CCEF courses, which led me to want to grow more in the knowledge of God, in order to better serve Him and His people.”
Muriel (Ministry Trainee 2012-2014)
“I had a wonderful time as a trainee and can’t speak highly enough of the experience. The church family are so welcoming, they really took the time to get to know me and encourage me in my faith. I had a wealth of training in what was organised for the church and staff team - and was able to dedicate a day each week to the TEAM course/ Cornhill. I loved serving in such varied ministry areas and how equipped I now am to serve and support church ministry.”
John (Ministry Trainee 2016-18)
“It was such a joy being a ministry trainee. I really appreciated the chance to spend time in the Bible, getting stuck into serving different ways and getting to know the church family better. It was great fun, and it felt like a year when God taught me a lot. Would highly recommend!”
Scott (Ministry Trainee 2018/19)
“I loved working as a Christ Church Ministry Trainee! I was able to get really stuck into my main area of ministry with teenagers, as well as being involved in a variety of different aspects of church life. I really appreciated the practical and theological training, and I loved getting to know lots of different members of the church family. It was a great year which gave me a window into ministry life, helped prepare me for the future, and grew me in my faith. It’s such a unique opportunity - I would recommend it to everyone!”
Lizzie (Ministry Trainee 2019/20)
WANT TO APPLY?
For more information, or to apply, please email Louis Chan at:
If you’ve got questions about the scheme, we’d love to hear from you. You can email Louis or phone us 01223 750450.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”