Ministry Assistant Scheme
2008/9
| St James’s Church, Muswell Hill Ministry Assistant Scheme 2008/9 |
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Website? www.st-james.org.uk
The Church
St James’s is a large Anglican evangelical church in Muswell Hill, North London. Our church motto is ‘To love Christ and make him known’. We have a commitment to faithful Bible teaching and an openness to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We are passionate about evangelism, and we want to get increasingly involved in our community.
The church has been growing steadily for a number of years and we currently have an average Sunday attendance of around 700 over 5 services. We have about 20 members of staff (including part-time staff) working in many different areas of ministry. We have recently welcomed our new vicar, Kim Swithinbank, and the church is beginning an exciting new phase under his leadership as we prayerfully seek God’s guidance and fresh vision for the future.
The Ministry Assistant Scheme
St James has had ministry assistants for a number of years now. They have become a valued part of the staff team, providing practical support for many, if not all, of our core ministry areas. Alongside this, St James’s has provided significant training opportunities and a broad range of ministry experience. This has proved an excellent combination for those who have wanted to spend a year or two working for a church, and in particular those considering full-time paid Christian ministry at some point in the future.
Through a mix of theological training and ‘hands on’ ministry, our scheme is an opportunity for you to use and develop your particular gifts, as well as be equipped more generally for a lifetime of serving Christ and His church.
The scheme runs for one to two years, with a clear differentiation between year one and two.
Year 1
Practical work |
Setting up for Sunday services and midweek meetings; general office administration; publicity; various caretaking duties (N.B. this does not include cleaning duties as the church employs cleaners). |
Ministry experience |
In a number of different areas of church life depending on gifting and experience. Ideally two main areas of ministry plus assisting in others where possible. E.g. The Alpha Course; Midweek Children’s Work (Playball); Youth Ministry (ROOT & JYMS); Ministry among international students (Global Café); Midweek Discipleship course (The CD course); Music Ministry (on Sundays and midweek); Primary schools work (Big Lunch); An important part of the ministry experience will be training and constructive feedback to enable the ministry assistant to grow and develop in their gifts. |
Training |
A combination of external training (currently our ministry assistants spend a morning a week at Oak Hill theological college), and in-house training shared by the clergy (on topics such as Biblical Interpretation; Christian Doctrine; Christian Leadership). |
Year 2
The second year is an opportunity to serve in one main ministry area, possibly with specific training to go alongside this. It is more flexible to suit different gifts and plans for future ministry. There is no set ‘practical work’ element, although you may be asked to lend a hand where needed!
Main ministry area |
E.g. Youth work, Children’s work; Music ministry, etc. |
Other ministry |
Depending on the extent of the main ministry area. |
Training |
Either as part of the year one training programme, more specialist training for future ministry (e.g. Music & Theology at London School of Theology, or preaching training at the Cornhill Training Course). |
Other details
| Pay | The salary for year one is just over £5000, calculated on the NI / Tax threshold, plus all work related expenses. |
| Housing | Accommodation will be provided in the home of one of our church members. There will be no bills / council tax to pay. |
| Start date | August / September 2008 |
Applicants
The work of a ministry assistant will be varied, challenging and important for the life and ministry of St James’s church. We hope that the time spent working and being trained at St James’s will also be very significant in the individual ministry assistant’s life – in equipping him or her for a lifetime of fruitful ministry. The scheme would be especially suitable for anyone considering full-time paid Christian ministry in the future, although applications are welcomed from anyone who would like to benefit from this opportunity.
Applicants should be committed Christians with evangelical convictions. Some experience of Christian ministry would be an advantage – for example through Christian Unions, local churches, or Christian holiday camps.
Applications should be in the form of a letter with a CV, plus a written account of your Christian life so far (1 side of A4!), sent to:
Will Hunter Smart
St James’s Church
Muswell Hill
London
N10 3DB
There is no deadline for applications. Suitable applicants will be invited to visit St James’s to see the church first hand, and to meet the staff. Decisions will be made applicant by applicant. Anyone interested in this scheme is welcome to phone Will Hunter Smart for an informal discussion, on 0208 442 2828, or to email him on will.huntersmart@st-james.org.uk.