The Associate Scheme @ All Saints, Crowborough

Website? www.allsaintscrowborough.org

Who are we?

All Saints is a thriving Anglican evangelical church in Crowborough, East Sussex (approx. 15mins from Tunbridge Wells, 45mins from Brighton and Eastbourne, and 1hr from London). Our passion is to reach the 20,000 people of the town with a thoroughly Christ-centred, Bible-based and prayer-grounded ministry. This is reflected in our Mission Statement, ‘growing in love for Christ, for each other and for the world’.

For the year 2008-09 we are looking to recruit 2 Associates who are keen to learn, roll-up their sleeves with us, and help further the ministry of the gospel in and through All Saints.

We are a growing, large-ish church (750 adults on the electoral roll with approximately 500 attending on an average Sunday; and >100 kids) with excellent facilities, and together with our daughter church St Richard’s, draw people from broad social and age spectra.

Our small group life is vital for the health of the church. Associates can expect to find support and encouragement from the growing 20-30s group and the ministry team, headed up by the Rev. Andrew Cornes.

2008-09 will be the 5^th year of our Associate Scheme. You would typically work closely with Jonty Frith our Director of Evangelism; Rory our Youth Leader and Sarah our Children's Worker. In addition, you would meet weekly with the main Mentor of Associates, Kevin Newman, who has experience working with youth & children, and training students and ‘associate-types’ (through Christ Church Bromley, All Saints and summer camps). We would also seek to provide female Associates with an older woman with whom they are able to find support, pray and read the Scriptures.

We have recently begun a new experimental congregation reaching out especially to those aged 15-40 and Andrew has been instrumental in setting up the Sussex Gospel Partnership, drawing together evangelical Anglican and Free Churches to ‘strengthen and expand gospel ministry’ in Sussex.

What do we need from you?

We want to train men and women who are…

• reliable, team-players, hungry for God's word and eager to serve humbly and cheerfully;

• seeking the approval of God rather than man;

• enthusiastic and willing to get stuck in.

What can we offer you?

Should you join us, our first priority for you at All Saints is that you grow in your love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The year will also equip you for lifelong discipleship and service; plus give you the opportunity to explore the possibility of future full-time gospel ministry.

There are 3 areas in which you will be involved, with roughly a 1/3 of your time spent in each area:

1. Hands-on Ministry

2 or 3 areas of ministry are selected, according to your existing gifts and experience. In addition, you would be encouraged to get a taste of any ministry of interest to you.

There are a huge number of ministry areas in which you could be involved, always with the support and personal training of a senior leader. Suggested ministries include:

• Youth work with 14-18 or 11-13 year-olds, inc. one-to-one Bible reading with teenagers

• Developing closer links with the large local Community College and/or the local Primary Schools, lunch-time clubs and taking assemblies

• Developing evangelistic links with non-Christian parents who attend the Parent and Toddler groups; helping with an evangelistic course for such parents

• Helping with uniformed organisations: Campaigners, Guides and Scouts

• Working in our large children’s holiday club during the Easter holidays

• Developing the programme of occasional family-focused evangelistic events

• Working on a programme of evangelistic door-to-door visiting in the parish

• Involvement in music in services at All Saints or St Richard’s

• Leading and teaching at Junior Church (perhaps including input into all-age services)

• Assisting in a midweek children’s group at St Richard’s

• Helping to develop the café church for the 15-40 age range

• Meeting for Bible study with students during the vacations

• Working with a group for the elderly

This list is not exhaustive, and is intended to give a sample of the kinds of thing happening here. During the summer period, Associates are normally expected to take part in the leadership team of a summer camp, usually a CYFA Venture, and where possible maintain links with camps they have helped on previously.

Finally, as part of the team, you will participate in the staff meeting, a vital opportunity to talk about and reflect upon the experience of being involved in the day-to-day life of All Saints.

2. Biblical Training

Associates attend the excellent Sussex Coast Ministry Training Course, which runs on one full day each week, over three ten-week terms. This is a course that majors on understanding and communicating biblical material and is designed specifically for Associates from different churches and for other Christian Leaders – anyone involved in teaching the Bible to groups within a local church.

During your time here you will receive training in understanding the Bible, and teaching it in a variety of contexts and you can expect to receive warm, constructive criticism and feedback. You will also be encouraged to read and discuss some stretching, seminal theology and attend further short training courses and appropriate conferences, such as the 9:38 conference www.ninethirtyeight.org

3. Practical Service

Associates will be trained and involved in various practical, administrative and physical tasks that help the church run smoothly. This experience will provide interaction with a wide range of different people and ministries. Initially, 1/3 of your time will be spent in this area but this is likely to decrease during the year as opportunities for ministry develop.

What about other stuff like £, housing & hols?

Associates on the Training Scheme will receive a grant from the church of (normally) £375 per month. As a further grant, accommodation will be provided, normally with a member of the Church Family. Ministry expenses and training costs (e.g. courses and conferences) will be paid.

The post is a one year post with the possibility of a second year by mutual agreement, and commences on or around the 1^st of September.

Associates will have one full day off each week, one full week’s vacation in the period following Christmas, one full week’s vacation in the period following Easter, and four weeks’ vacation in the summer.

So how do I apply?

Please provide:

• a CV (including details of experience in Christian ministry);

• a personal account of Christ's impact on the different stages of your life;

• the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of 2 referees, one of whom should be a full-time minister in a church.

Application papers should be e-mailed / sent to: Kevin Newman, Ghyll Farm Annexe, Sweethaws Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 3SS. Interviews are held in Crowborough and applications are processed as received. Early application is therefore advised, as late applicants may find the training positions already filled.

For an informal chat about this post, feel free to phone Kevin on 01892 662542, or email kev@kevandfran.co.uk See also the church website: www.allsaintscrowborough.org

Of course, please do visit us at any time!

This post will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.