Ministry Trainees
Our Aim
God’s word contains the best news in the world. We want to equip godly men and women who will rightly handle the word as they serve God and his people wherever they go in the future.
Training
Ministry Trainees receive training through the Cornhill Training Course in London, as well as individual mentoring from staff members. Our trainees can put that training into practice through Bible teaching opportunities such as leading a small group, one-to-one Bible studies and giving talks.
Training also includes practical service which can include admin, practical building support, catering and cleaning. We have a breadth of ministries to serve within (children, youth and families; students; workers; and music) across diverse congregations – so there’s a lot of experience to be gained!
“Ministry is ‘caught’ as well as ‘taught’! Alongside robust training in Bible handling and teaching, many godly models helped me to see what good ministry really looks like, enabling me to imitate their example. The practical experience was invaluable – seeing God’s word give real hope to real people in the ups and downs of life.”
Common Questions
What did the training look like?
“My weekly check-ins with my supervisor were one of the highlights of the week as I was able to honestly process and talk through the training I was struggling with and celebrate what was going well. It also allowed me to express eagerness and weakness in different ministry areas which was taken seriously, followed up on and supported.”
“The role was tailored to suit my gifts and I felt I was able to play to my strengths as well as develop new skills. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to try out lots of different things, building on experience I already had and being encouraged to do things I wouldn’t necessarily have thought I would be able to. Discussions with staff helped me think about what gospel ministry and leadership look like and have been good preparation for longer-term ministry.”
How did your training help as you started another job?
“I am starting doctoral research next year and am convinced that the training I’ve received at Christ Church will be very helpful to me as I help with university Christian Unions, minister to undergraduate students and encourage students in evangelism.”
“Christ Church is made up of different ages, cultures and languages which was exciting but also challenging as I worked out how to best serve them. Since serving as a Ministry Trainee I’m far more confident communicating with and relating to a wider variety of people which has really helped in my teaching job.”
What about finances?
“Understanding how to communicate well with financial partners, understanding grants and Gift Aid and living on a lower budget were all useful experiences. What really helped was God drawing me to trust his sovereign provision and abundant goodness. He far exceeds any and every possible joy the highest salary on earth could ever afford.”
“I was a bit apprehensive about the finances and it felt like quite a big step of faith to leave a paid job to do this, but, through friends’ amazing generosity, God provided exactly what I needed.”
“Money was something of a concern when applying to Christ Church – but some fundraising on my part and the generosity of the church and the church family meant that I was well-provided financially. In particular, the church family was generous in providing a family for me to lodge with during my time here.”
Applications
To apply, get in touch with us, (rich@christchurchkensington.com) to start the conversation and to get an application form. Trainees are volunteers for the duration of their time with us but help is available with accommodation and grants.