Apprenticeship Schemes

There is vast need in our region for people who are able and eager to serve in gospel ministry, full-time or as a ‘tentmaker’.  To help make this happen we are promoting ministry apprenticeship schemes in our churches. The YGP does not run the schemes but encourages people to join them and advises those who would like more information. It also runs an annual conference for those running Apprenticeship Schemes and those who would like to investigate running them in the future.

An apprentice is someone who has committed themselves to learning about gospel ministry as part of a local congregation.  If you become an apprentice, you would normally do this for a year, but you may want to take two years to get a broader experience of different churches in diverse settings.  Most churches which offer apprenticeship schemes would want you to join the YorkshireTraining course which is based in Leeds. This involves one day a week of lectures (Thursday) in term time. There are also courses run by the Yorkshire School of Christian Ministry which you should consider joining. In addition you will receive practical training through your involvement with a church which you will join and serve throughout your time as an apprentice.

Apprentices can be of any age or life experience. What matters is your eagerness to grow as ministers of the gospel and your desire to serve the Lord through a local church. The focus of your year is the learning and experience you gain which will equip you for ministry you will be involved with in the future.  Arrangements concerning finances and accommodation will vary from church to church and will need to be discussed with the church you apply to.

An Apprenticeship Scheme is for you if you want a year (or two) to learn how to study and teach the Bible, to experience how people of all ages can feed and grow from God's word, to see how a church works from the inside.  You may end up in full-time paid Christian work, you may not; but a year as an apprentice will equip you for life and ministry.

Below is a list of churches we know to be offering Apprenticeships. Please feel free to contact them directly. If you would like help or advice before doing that please email the YGP Training Director, Melvin Tinker (Senior Minister of St John Newland).