Apprenticeships

Ashford Congregational Church, Middlesex

Email: info@aboutacc.com
Website: https://www.aboutacc.com

Overview of Scheme

 

• The Trainee Scheme is designed to help men and women who are seriously considering full-time paid gospel work but it will also be of great value to those who decide to serve God in other capacities. In addition, it will also help Trainees decide whether or not full-time paid Christian Ministry is the best way for them to serve in the long term.
• The Scheme offers a two-year programme beginning in September and is linked to the Cornhill Training Course.
• There should be a keenness to serve in whatever ways required by the on-going ministry of Ashford Congregational Church, both in taking certain responsibilities and in fulfilling various tasks around the church.
• By its very nature, the Scheme will require a high degree of flexibility in working hours.
• Trainees can expect on-going mentoring and support during their time with Ashford Congregational Church.

 

Training Programme

The scheme will be divided into 3 roughly equal parts:

1. Being taught the Bible (Training)
2. Teaching it to others (Ministry)
3. Assisting in practical tasks (Service)

1. Training through being taught

Trainees will spend about a third of their time being taught the Bible, theology and ministry skills.  This will be achieved in the main through attendance of the Cornhill Training Course 2 days per week. You will also be expected to attend other training sessions organised within the church. E.g. Small group leaders, preaching & leading workshops and pastoral support

2. Training through involvement in ministry

Trainees will spend a further third of their time involved in Christian ministry.  One of the best ways to learn what the Bible says is to teach it and the best way to learn Christian ministry is to do it.  Our aim, therefore, is to give Trainees a significant amount of practical experience in some of the key areas of Christian ministry and so develop their ministry skills. E.g.:

 

• Help out on at least one of our courses e.g. Christianity Explored
• Help with the organising of pre-evangelism events
• Take part in Sunday Services with Bible Readings, leading Prayers and preaching.
• Contribute to the monthly prayer gatherings.
• Lead one-to-one Bible Studies with individuals and other Bible Studies where necessary.
• Trainees will be expected to get a taste of different ministries in the church.
• Trainees may also carry out some visits to members of the congregation.
• There will also be opportunities for ministry at other local churches and schools.

 

In common with others on the leadership team, Trainees are expected to attend Sunday services, a small group, leadership prayer and planning meetings as appropriate and our monthly Powerhouse meeting for prayer.  Trainees may also be invited to attend some church members and leadership Meetings.

3. Training through doing practical tasks

The remainder of their time will be spent on practical tasks around the church.  These include setting up rooms for meetings, cleaning, small repairs, maintenance and assisting with administrative tasks in the church office.  As well as being essential to the running of the church, this will help Trainees in three important areas:-

 

• It will teach what is involved in running a church and enabling Christian ministry to happen - a look behind the scenes, it's not all glamorous!
• It develops a servant heart - looking for what needs doing and then getting on with it, even if it is a humble, dirty, unseen job.
• It teaches Trainees to work as part of a team

 

Training Contract

 

• The contract will be for 24 months.
• Holiday entitlement will be 25 days per year (at least 6 of the which must be taken during August)
• Ashford Congregational Church will provide accommodation and basic living expenses but Trainees will also be encouraged to raise some of their own support
• Fees for the Cornhill Training will be paid for by Ashford Congregational Church.

 

We are looking for people who have:

 

• Christian maturity evidenced by a desire to serve others and build up the body of Christ
• An eagerness to learn
• A willingness to serve
• The ability to work as part of a team - both with other Trainee(s), members of the congregation and Church leadership.

 

About Ashford Congregational Church

We are an independent evangelical church in the heart of Ashford, Middlesex (Borough of Spelthorne) and a member of both the South East Gospel Partnership and the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches. We have a growing and diverse congregation and significant contact with the local community.  Our building is very close to the town centre and we are a suburban church, drawing our people mainly from Ashford, with some from Stanwell, Sunbury, Staines and beyond.

Our Vision: Community Transformed by Jesus Christ

Our Mission: To create a passion for Christ's rule, and a thirst for Christ's rescue.

Our Priorities

1. The Bible

Jesus Christ transforms lives as people interact with the Word of God.

2. Prayer

Jesus Christ transforms lives as his people are dependent upon him in prayer.

3. Meeting Together

Jesus Christ transforms lives as his people meet together.

4. Community Impact

Jesus Christ transforms lives in order that others might be impacted.

5. Community Fit

Jesus Christ transforms lives and equips us uniquely to serve his Church.

6. The Wider World

Jesus Christ transforms lives throughout the world and we want to be a part of it.

7. Building Tomorrow's Church

Jesus Christ transforms lives and will continue to build his church.

 

Applications are available from:

Ashford Congregational Church, Clarendon Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 2QA

Tel: 01784 240014  Email: keith.wilson@aboutacc.com