Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church

1. The Congregation

Newtownards lies at the northern end of Strangford Lough in North Down, with a population of almost 30,000. The congregation is one of seven Presbyterian churches in the town, and works in fellowship with evangelical fellowships across the denominations.

The congregation is large and active with numerous organizations seeking to reach out and make disciples. The church, which finds its roots in the 1859 Revival, is Reformed evangelical and the ministry of the church centres around expository ministry of God’s word. We uphold the Westminster Confession of Faith and catechisms as faithfully teaching the fundamental truths of Scripture.

2. Leadership team

Our Minister is Norman McAuley who is married with three grown-up children. Norman was minister of two Presbyterian congregations in Magherafelt before moving to Newtownards in 2004. Norman is on the council of Middle East Reformed Fellowship (Ireland). Our assistant minister is Michael McClenahan. He is married with four young children and was for many years involved in the ministry of St. Ebbe’s Church, Oxford.

Within the Presbyterian church the elders of the church provide spiritual oversight to every aspect of the ministry of the church. The session (ie the elders) at Greenwell Street is fully committed to the gospel outreach of the congregation. Members of the congregation provide vital pastoral care in organized visitation to the sick, elderly, and bereaved.

3. Opportunities for apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is an opportunity to test your suitability for Christian ministry and to serve in new and challenging ways. Our hope is that in your time with us you will have many opportunities to grow in grace and test your calling. We place a particular emphasis on the training aspect of your service and there will be appropriate local church and other theological and ministry training.

Greenwell Street is a large congregation with around 400+ gathering each Sunday morning and other ministries throughout the week. The position offers the opportunity for a wide experience of Christian service. In particular there will be opportunities for youth discipleship, Christianity Explored, and pastoral visitation. In the busy life of the church a sense of humour is a great asset!

This is a volunteer training post and there is no formal pay structure. The church will provide accommodation and cover expenses (to be discussed before beginning). Apprentices should seek to raise some financial support for their period of training before beginning service. The initial appointment is for twelve months beginning in September 2008, with the possibility of a further year.

Contact: Rev Norman McAuley 028 9182 8361 nmcauley@presbyterianireland.org