Ministry Apprentices at Kensington Baptist Church

Who is it for?

Ministry apprenticeship is an opportunity to devote a year or two of your life to training and service in the life of a local church. The scheme is for new or recent graduates (men or women) who are open to the Lord’s leading in their lives and want to gain ministry experience. We are looking to recruit up to three apprentices for the year 08/09. It may be possible to continue for a second year.

Why at Kensington?

It is hard to imagine a church with a wider range of opportunities for ministry than Kensington! We are a fairly large, independent evangelical church committed to the centrality of God’s Word. Located in Easton, in inner city Bristol, we are surrounded by people from a multitude of cultures, especially Muslim cultures, including some where the gospel has never penetrated. Our passion is to set that right. Our excellent community contacts are just the first step. At our Sunday services we welcome people from a score of different nations.

Nearby, our recent church plant is in full swing. We have a full range of children’s and youth ministries at weekends and during the week our building (recently renovated to be more accessible and welcoming to the community) never seems to be quiet! Add in evangelistic courses, home groups, a puppet team, ministry to the elderly, opportunities to teach in homes from other cultures and religions, not to mention Sunday ministries – there is plenty to keep everyone busy.

So what would I be doing?

You will be part of a small team with your time split between three areas – training and study (40%), ministry (40%) and practical service (20%). You can expect a fairly well-structured week. Training will involve attendance at the South-West Gospel Partnership’s ministry training course nearby in Bath as well as individual mentoring and guided study with the church’s staff team. The goal is to encourage all-round spiritual formation. There will also be the opportunity to attend conferences.

The range of ministries is huge (see above!) and we will provide opportunities to specialise as the year progresses. If you feel called or gifted in a particular direction, we will explore that with you. And we will also be exploring what the Lord’s further plans may be – this scheme is just one step, after all. Practical service involves helping to facilitate the church’s many ministries throughout the week. It will include cleaning and preparing rooms, shifting furniture and welcoming visitors to our building.

What about money?!

This is a training scheme and you will not be earning a salary! However, you will be provided with free accommodation in the heart of colourful Easton and a training bursary of around £2000 per year along with ministry expenses. For the rest you will need to seek the Lord’s provision.

What do I do now?

If you would like to know more or simply to talk the idea over, please contact Steve Wilmshurst – Director of Training – on 0117 9511202 or email him at sawilms@aol.com. Our church website is at www.kenbaptist.org

The Kensington Ministry Apprenticeship Scheme is registered with the 9:38 Network
Kensington Baptist Church is affiliated to the FIEC and is part of the South-West Gospel Partnership.