An opportunity to gain ministry experience in a suburban church close to the University of Nottingham.

The aim of the scheme is to equip men and women to better handle and teach the bible in order to be effective servants for God in their local church. It is an excellent opportunity for those considering full time Christian work in the future.

Time is spent equally between ministry experience, bible teaching and training including attendance on the Midland Ministry Training Course, and practical service.

The scheme is suitable for recent graduates as well as those who have spent some time in the workplace.

For further details and application forms contact Angela Williams at the church office, or download here.

Closing date for applications 1st Feb 2008; employment to start beginning Sept 2008.

What is the Ministry Training Scheme?

The Ministry Training Scheme is a one or two year training scheme in which trainees serve in and experience church ministry as part of the staff team. It is designed to provide training and practical experience in full time paid Christian ministry. The aim is to help people consider the possibility of some form of Christian ministry in the long term. However, we hope that it will also be of great benefit to those who decide to serve God in other capacities.

What does the scheme involve?

Trainees' time will be divided into three areas: teaching input, ministry experience, and practical service. Roles and responsibilities are specifically designed for each individual trainee.

Training through being taught

Each trainee will attend the Midlands Ministry Training Course for one day each week. This will provide the core teaching input for the year, and will be supplemented by fortnightly teaching sessions with the ministers at Beeston Free. Trainees will also attend the 9:38 Apprentices Conference in January, and may be involved in other external events from time to time.

Training through involvement in ministry

Trainees will spend part of their time gaining practical experience of ministry. The involvement of each trainee will vary depending on their circumstances, experience, and needs, but will include some or all of the following:

Teaching the Bible in a small group.
Teaching the Bible by giving talks.
Meeting with a number of individuals 1 to 1 to study the Bible.
Developing an area of the ministry of the church.

Training through practical tasks

There are all sorts of practical tasks to do throughout the church. Involvement in these is important for several reasons:

The essence of Christian ministry is humble service, and doing ordinary and sometimes humble, dirty and unseen tasks helps to develop a servant heart.

Running a church and enabling ministry to happen involves all sorts of mundane tasks that are essential if the work is to be done.

Practical involvement of this sort helps to teach people to work as part of a team.

Why does the church run the scheme?

Our greatest desire as a church is that God is honoured and the church of Jesus Christ is built and extended in the world. For this to happen godly leaders are key - leaders who will serve God and his people, either in a paid or voluntary capacity. The purpose of the Training Scheme is to help to develop the next generation of servant-leaders and gospel workers for our world. We have a responsibility to help them to discern how best to serve the Lord with their lives, and to equip them as well as possible for the future. With our wide range of ministries, we are able to provide opportunities for training and experience in a variety of areas.

Who is the scheme aimed at?

We hope to appoint two or three trainees for 2008-2009. The scheme is aimed at both men and women, who are considering, and wish to explore, the possibility of some form of full time Christian ministry. We are looking for Christians who want to serve God and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In particular, we are looking for:

Christians who are committed to the importance of the Bible's message in their own lives and to helping others come to know God and grow in Him through the message of the Bible.

Christian maturity and gifts that would enable them to teach the Bible in groups and on a one-to-one basis.
An eagerness to learn and serve, and a willingness to take on a variety of responsibilities and tasks around the church.

The ability to work as part of a team, both with the other trainees, and with the rest of the church staff and congregation.

When will the scheme begin and end?

The scheme will begin in early September and finish at the end of July.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available from the Beeston Free Church office. These should be completed and returned to the church office by 1st February 2008. Interviews will then be held in mid February. To obtain an application form, contact the church office or download in pdf form here.

How can I get more information about the scheme?

Our full time staff would be more than happy to chat with you about the scheme on an informal basis. Also, the current trainees, Martin Grosse and Clare Axelby are very willing to answer any questions you have.

Finances

The cost of the scheme is around £8,000/year and this is guaranteed by the church, though trainees are expected to raise half of this themselves during the year.