Bishop Hannington Voluntary Apprenticeship Scheme

Website? www.bhmc.org.uk

The Bishop Hannington voluntary apprenticeship scheme is designed to give you a taste of Christian ministry. In 2008/9 we have space to give three people this great opportunity.

The church

Bishop Hannington is lively church, in the dynamic city of Brighton & Hove. Our website gives our core values and beliefs – in essence, we are committed to the glory of God, through the preaching of Jesus Christ from His word the Bible, and to living the godly and prayerful lives His followers are called to. We have members throughout all the ages – very much from zero to ninety, and beyond! Many come from the local area (though not exclusively the parish), whilst others from across the Downs.

The city

Brighton & Hove has many distinctives. There are more than three times as many Buddhists as Anglicans, and we have the highest number of Jedi Knights in the country (an official religion since the 2001 census). We have two universities, dozens of language schools, and even more old people's homes. We're an hour from London, and minutes from the South Downs – and of course we're a seaside city (with stony beaches!). It is also notorious for other reasons.

The scheme

Our "voluntary apprenticeship" scheme has been running since 2001, and is ideal for those wanting a taste of Christian ministry. Depending on your resources, we expect the voluntary apprentice to work part-time in the local area (e.g. working at Clarks, Toys'r'us, BK or wherever), and be part-time with us. Whilst not therefore a "full time" apprenticeship, we feel it works well in helping someone appreciate all the pressures of working life, as well as keeping up opportunities for evangelism.

The time with the church is split into three parts:

• One third is spent on "ministry" – where you will have involvement in at least one area of ministry, depending on the needs of the church and your abilities (anything from working with young people, international students or old people).

• One third is spent on "training" – which includes regular teaching sessions with the other apprentices, as well (for the past couple of years) as with other members of the church who join in for their personal growth. The training element also includes regular one-to-one sessions with either the vicar, curate or the (female) pastoral worker. We will also discuss a book list for you to read during the year, which you will review for your colleagues in the apprentices' training sessions.

• One third is spent on "practical" tasks – which includes shifting chairs (!), but might cover any manner of other duties, as required and as you are able.

We expect you to be involved in personal evangelism, as well as working for the church. We also encourage you to be involved in Christian ministry outside BH – e.g. we're happy to give time off for CYFA ventures and Word Alive.

Although very much a 'stand alone' year, it is worthwhile mentioning that since starting the scheme, many of our Voluntary Apprentices have been taken on by the church for a two year full time contract, which usually includes part time studies over the two years at the Cornhill Training course (subject to their approval).

The support

As well as one-to-one support, you will enjoy the warm support of the whole staff team (which includes curate, pastoral worker, internationals worker and youth worker, as well as two part-time administrators).

The church currently provides a living allowance of £1,130.74 for the year. We will also do our utmost to help find you reasonable accommodation locally – sometimes it's possible to stay with a church member.

Overall

Our voluntary apprenticeship scheme is excellent for anyone who wants to spend one year:

• investigating their gifts and growing in their Christian faith;

• serving the church through a wide range of opportunities, both developing what you can do and learning new things;

• keeping one foot in the 'secular' world, with all the challenges and opportunities that brings.

Contact the curate Bart Erlebach (01273 265377) or the vicar, Phil Moon (01273 732821) for further information, and an application form.