A gap year opportunity for 18-29 year olds to explore vocational calling in worship and/or youth and children’s ministry.
Are you wondering what God is calling you to do? Do you want to spend a year serving the church, growing in your faith, and making a difference?
We are delighted that Godalming Minster has been accepted as a parish placement for Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) and/or Future Youth (FY) participant(s) for September 2026. This national church scheme is a joint programme with the New Wine Discipleship Year.
Find out about MES and FY.
We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic individuals with a living faith in Jesus who want to explore God’s call on their lives. Whether you are considering ordained ministry, youth and children’s work, or a particular area of ministry such as sung worship, this year-long opportunity offers practical experience, training, and spiritual formation. You need to be between the ages of 18 and 29 on 7th September 2026 to be eligible to apply.
Key info
Date of placement: 7th September 2026-25th July 2027
Funding: This is a non salaried voluntary placement, however we can offer a £74 per week living allowance for 46 weeks + meals and accommodation with a host in the parish if required.
Hours: 35 hours a week (flexible) including Sundays and key church festivals.
This includes 1 day training every Monday through the Guildford Diocese Foundations in Ministry course, and attendance at the New Wine Discipleship conferences and residentials. The dates for these are:
- UK Residential Mon 2 – Wed 4 Nov 2026
- New Wine Leadership Conference: Feb 2027
- Overseas Residential Mon 26 – Fri 30 April 2027
- New Wine Festival: August 2027
What You Will Be Doing
Your placement will be tailored to you, and you will be able to choose to follow the Ministry Experience Scheme OR Future Youth Stream. Depending on which you choose, your gifts and interests, you could expect to be involved in:
MES participants:
- Worship & Preaching: Involvement in Sunday services and daily church life, particularly in our developing contemporary services at 11am and 6pm.
- Digital & Events: Developing digital media, use of AV and helping organize events.
Future Youth participants:
- Youth & Children’s Work: Assisting with Sunday schools, school chaplaincy, youth groups and outreach events like Away Days and Holiday Clubs.
All participants on either MES or FY are likely to be involved with:
- Social Action: Working with community projects and vulnerable people in Godalming town centre and in the Franklyn Road vicinity.
What We Offer
- Fully Funded Year: Free accommodation with a host family in the parish and basic living expenses (£74 per week for 46 weeks) are included.
- Theological Training and Study: Tailored theological training, both within the parish and through FiM and the New Wine Discipleship Year
- Mentorship: Support from church leaders and fellow participants.
- Networking: Opportunities to meet others on the scheme at national conferences.
Who We Are Looking For
- A committed Christian with a desire to serve the church.
- Flexible and enthusiastic individuals who are able to take initiative.
- Openness to learning and exploring vocation in a multi-location setting.
How to Apply
Read all about it in the Participant Information Pack and Role Descriptions
Then get in touch with the Rector Chris Lion who can help decide whether a placement with Godalming Minster would be right for you. He’ll also be able to guide you through the application process.
e: chris.lion@godalmingminster.org or t: 01483 421267
Then complete the Participant Application Form
Closing Date: 12 noon on Tuesday 30 June 2026
Interviews: week commencing 6 July 2026
Safer Recruitment
Please note that all participants will be required to
- Hold an enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (applied for by Godalming Minster when you have accepted your placement)
- undertake the appropriate Church of England Safeguarding training
- work within the policy and procedures of Godalming Minsters Safeguarding Policy
