We are looking for students to join a successful training scheme for youth and sports ministry. Students will study for a degree in Theology, Ministry and Mission at Ridley Hall Cambridge, selecting to specialise in youth or sports ministry. While studying students are employed, part time, for three years in a placement church. Students spend approximately half a week working while studying for the other half of the week. Alongside guaranteeing a paid placement the diocese will also arrange accommodation either in a shared house, or with a member of the church, and provides additional funds for travel and study books as well as a grant to enable mission activities to be run. While working and studying students are given opportunities to undertake more specialist training, network with more experienced youth and sports ministers and take advantage of other diocesan resources. Students are responsible for their own course fees.
In describing the scheme, Jonathan Richardson, the Diocese of Norwich Children, Youth & Families Development officer said
“We want to enable students to explore their own calling for youth or sports ministry whilst also supporting the aspirations of churches. This scheme sits alongside and compliments other work the Diocese of Norwich is doing through our Growing Young Leaders course and Internship Schemes, which give young people from 14 through to 25 opportunities to grow in leadership potential and to explore there calling. Our prayer is that in future we will see young people progressing from the Growing Young Leaders course through to becoming full time youth or sports ministers.”
For students the course provides an opportunity to work in a range of contexts such as school, community, detached, church based and family work. Those interested in joining the scheme should contact Jonathan Richardson for an informal conversation, before applying to join the course through Ridley Hall Theological College. Students may apply to Ridley Hall up to the end of August, but we encourage an early conversation.
You can email Jonathan Richardson or telephone on 01603 882354