Info for Applicants
The ethos of the scheme is of discernment of vocation. It is not an employee under direction initiative. It is not about having a very cheap youth worker. Often there is youth work involved, but there could also be funeral visits, the care home Eucharist... Recognising that any parish willing to take part in the scheme will be seeking young people with skills, commitment and church interest, there is a careful vetting and training process for the young people.
The success of the scheme over the years is possibly measurable in the number of members who have gone on to Christian social enterprise, Christian overseas, or church ministry positions - from priesthood to full time youth work. One parish 'kept' the scheme member after the end of the year and offered them a paid trainee youth worker post. Another regularly invites their ex-member to 'return' to lead events for them. The ethos of the scheme is to look to the qualities of those interested in taking part for the year, not in seeking numbers. There are only six places a year.
The year is about a positive experience together for the worker and placement parish. It will be a challenge and time of growth for both parties. Integral to the scheme is expectation of mutual exploring of the worker's God-given skills, abilities and gifts within the placement. At the same time it is important for the volunteer to learn, be challenged and properly supported in their ministry.
The placement parish is part of a process of discerning God's path for the worker; in developing their skills, to learn from the experience of others, develop links with the sending parish and hear an external perspective on the life of the parish.
Training
The Diocese undertakes all aspects of the equipping and training of the scheme member. Residential training is given at St Bartz in Barcombe, East Sussex. Single day training is at Church House in Hove. Parishes are not expected to contribute to the cost of this training in any way. All training based resources, travel costs and accommodation are provided by the Diocese.
Just some of the areas explored include: professional conduct, preparing for life in the public eye, life shaping development and awareness skills, Biblical overviews, models of ecclesiology, fundraising, aspects of psychology, budget setting, hermeneutics, aspects of project management, team building and dynamics, public speaking, small group effectiveness attributes, youth development and theologies of child discipleship.
The scheme accesses elements of the first year of Diocesan CME and offers the young people a behind the scenes understanding of Chichester Cathedral. Where relevant and possible, one aspect of the training is often to provide the scheme members with a budget to develop a children's based training event which will support the ministry of their placement parish. This is always developed in conjunction with the incumbent.
A central element of the scheme is an appreciation of Christianity in another cultural context. This African visit is integral to the members' spiritual formation. All orientation, briefing and de-briefing is provided by the Diocese and its associated partners in this venture.
