THE ST HELEN’S ASSOCIATE SCHEME

St Helen’s, Bishopsgate, Central London - Associate Scheme

The St Helen’s Associate Scheme is an apprenticeship programme to train full-time Bible teachers. The Scheme has three dimensions. First, it seeks to train people to be really good Bible students and teachers, able to rightly handle God’s Word and to apply it to themselves. Secondly, it provides a great opportunity to serve the gospel and church both by teaching the Bible and practically. Thirdly, it enables people to be on the staff team of a thriving local church, being a part of all that goes on and being mentored by more mature gospel ministers.

The Scheme is divided into three components:

Associates spend at least a third of their time in the ministry of the Church – leading small group Bible studies, evangelistic study groups and one-to-one studies, being responsible for small areas of the Church’s ministry, giving talks, etc.
At least a third of their time is spent being taught how to be a better servant of God and His gospel – how to study the Bible for themselves, how it all fits together, some of its great theological themes, how to do ministry, etc. The key to this component of the Scheme is that Associates learn by working hard at the text of the Bible for themselves and discussing their conclusions in small groups under the close supervision of experienced staff.
The remainder of the Associates time is spent in practical work round the church – moving furniture, cleaning, administration, etc.

The Scheme is designed for people who think they are likely to end up in full-time Bible teaching, but this may be in any one of the many areas in which there is a need for Bible teachers, eg pastoring a local church, working with students, working with youth, working with women, overseas. For people going into full-time Bible teaching, we think this Scheme, or something like it, provides almost indispensable training and preparation in how to study and teach the Bible and how to do gospel ministry. However, it will also be of great value to those who are deciding if full-time Bible teaching is the best way they can serve our Lord Jesus, even if they end up serving in another capacity.

We seek to take at least ten new Associates each year, starting at the end of August, and the vast majority of these will stay on for a second year which builds on the first. The Scheme is aimed at those who have worked since graduating as well as new graduates. Associates are asked to raise some support, however St Helen’s can help by providing accommodation and grants may be applied for to cover any shortfall.

To find out more about St Helen’s and the Associate Scheme, including to download an application form, please visit our website – www.st-helens.org.uk.

For more information contact Rose Illingsworth at:
St Helen’s Church Office, Great St Helen’s, London EC3A 6AT
Tel: 020 7283 2231
Email: associate.info@st-helens.org.uk

We will start interviewing in November and will accept applications until all the places are filled.