at St. Andrew’s, Plymouth
| Ministry Assistants at St. Andrew’s, Plymouth |
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Website? www.standrewschurch.org.uk
Who are we?
St. Andrew’s Church is an active parish church at the heart of Plymouth city centre. Our prominent position gives a wide range of opportunities and civic responsibilities, alongside our ongoing parish and congregational ministries. In everything we want to be faithful and relevant in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ today.
St. Andrew’s forms part of a two church team, the other being St. Paul’s, Stonehouse. At present our staff team consists of a Rector, Team Vicar, two Curates, Youth Worker, Music Leader and Lay Chaplain.
Our main services are comprised of a traditional 9:30am morning Communion service, an 11am informal family-oriented service and an informal 6:30pm evening service. We run a full range of groups, from the youngest to the oldest, including groups for students, Moore theological correspondence course and Christianity Explored. We encourage adults to be involved in a midweek small group as a place to belong, learn and serve. For more information on the church, please visit our website: www.standrewschurch.org.uk
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for one or two Ministry Assistants (male and/or female) to join our staff team from the beginning of September 2008 to the end of July 2009. These roles are ideal opportunities to explore the possibility of future full-time Christian work and to gain experience and insight into the whole range of church life.
The position of Ministry Assistant offers an opportunity for individuals to serve God through his church and mature in their faith and gifts for ministry. The role is concentrated in three areas: Biblical and theological training; Ministry training and experience; Training and involvement in practical service. We would want to encourage and develop the individual gifts of our Ministry Assistants within this framework. However, the person and role would typically look like this:
Character
A willingness to serve and learn through the variety of ministries at St. Andrew’s. We would hope to offer suitable involvement, building on existing experience and strengths.
A chance to learn from the example and ministry of senior members of the staff team. Ministry Assistants will meet one-to-one with one of the staff to read the Bible, pray and be encouraged to grow in holiness and Christ-likeness.
A need to for personal motivation, discipline and self-control in order to face the demands and challenges of such a scheme.
A commitment to living out the gospel in their lives and proclaiming it with their lips, being involved in personal evangelism and dedicated to being built up in the faith.
Learning
One day a week will be spent in formal study, most likely through attending the Peninsula Gospel Partnership, a one-day a week local ministry training course run in Plymouth.
Further study will be encouraged by meeting with a staff member to work through some guided reading, for example studying a Bible book or an aspect of Christian doctrine.
Fellowship and support is encouraged by participation in of one of our Home Groups.
Ministry Assistants will attend the annual 9:38 Apprentices Conference and any other training days or conferences as appropriate.
Ministry
Involvement in areas of ministry appropriate to gifts and experience under the leadership and guidance of a member of the staff team. This may involve leading and teaching in groups such as Climbers (3-11’s), Pathfinders (11-14’s), Fish Shop (14-18’s), Focus (students), Christian Unions and after school clubs. Ministry opportunities may also involve giving talks, leading Bible studies and meeting up with individuals to read the Bible and pray.
Involvement with our different Sunday services in a way appropriate to gifts and past experience.
Being trained through helping with other courses in the church such as Moore Course, Christianity Explored and our Lent School of Faith.
Carrying out various administrative and practical service tasks in the office and in the church premises.
The expectation for an average week is one day off, two days of study, and four days of ministry and accompanying preparation.
What’s on offer?
The Ministry Assistant scheme runs from September to July. An extension may be possible by mutual agreement. The church will provide accommodation, cover bills and expenses and provide a living allowance of £300 a month. Ministry Assistants will have four weeks holiday
during the year by arrangement. We also encourage involvement in a summer camp or venture.
What’s next?
To apply please send a CV, including details of two referees and a short Christian testimony to:
Nick McKinnel
St. Andrew’s Church
Royal Parade<
Plymouth
PL1 2AD
Interviews will be arranged as and when applications are received.