Ministry Scheme​/Youth Participant | Minster

Ministry Experience Scheme + Future Youth Participant (18-29)
A gap year opportunity for 18-29 year olds to explore vocational calling in worship and/or youth and children’s ministry.

Are you wondering what God is calling you to do? Do you want to spend a year serving the church, growing in your faith, and making a difference?

We are delighted that Godalming Minster has been accepted as a parish placement for Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) and/or Future Youth (FY) participant(s) for September 2026. This national church scheme is a joint programme with the New Wine Discipleship Year.

Use the link above to go to the main Church of England page, which has some great videos and stories from past participants.

We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals with a living faith in Jesus who want to explore God’s call on their lives. Whether you are considering ordained ministry, youth and children’s work, or a particular area of ministry such as sung worship, this year-long opportunity offers practical experience, training, and spiritual formation. You need to be between the ages of 18 and 29 on 7th September 2026 to be eligible to apply.

This includes 1 day training every Monday through the Guildford Diocese Foundations in Ministry course, and attendance at the New Wine Discipleship conferences and residentials. The dates for these are:

• Overseas Residential Mon 26 – Fri 30 April 2027
• New Wine Festival:
  August 2027

Your placement will be tailored to you, and you will be able to choose to follow the Ministry Experience Scheme OR Future Youth Stream. Depending on which you choose, your gifts and interests, you could expect to be involved in:

• Worship & Preaching: Involvement in Sunday services and daily church life, particularly in our developing contemporary services in the morning and evening.
• Digital & Events: Developing digital media, use of AV and helping organize events.
• Youth & Children’s Work:Assisting with Sunday schools, school chaplaincy, youth groups and outreach events like Away Days and Holiday Clubs.

All participants on either MES or FY are likely to be involved with:

• Social Action:Working with community projects and vulnerable people in Godalming town centre and in the Franklyn Road vicinity.

• Fully Funded Year: Free accommodation with a host family in the parish and basic living expenses (£74 per week for 46 weeks) are included.
• Theological Training and Study: Tailored theological training, both within the parish and through FiM and the New Wine Discipleship Year
• Mentorship:Support from church leaders and fellow participants.
• Networking:Opportunities to meet others on the scheme at national conferences.

• A committed Christian with a desire to serve the church.
• Flexible and enthusiastic individuals who are able to take initiative.
• Openness to learning and exploring vocation in a multi-location setting.

Then get in touch with the Rector Chris Lion who can help decide whether a placement with Godalming Minster would be right for you. He’ll also be able to guide you through the application process.

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Closing Date: 12 noon on Tuesday 30 June 2026

Interviews: week commencing 6 July 2026

Please note that all participants will be required to

• Hold an enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (applied for by Godalming Minster when you have accepted your placement)
• undertake the appropriate Church of England Safeguarding training
• work within the policy and procedures of Godalming Minsters Safeguarding Policy

Ensuring that children and young people as well as adults are kept safe whilst in our care is an integral part of our church life.