Info for Churches
Encounter is unique because it encompasses the breadth of the Church of England, allowing participants to embrace the diversity of the church and seeks to serve and model real faith in the midst of all traditions of churchmanship.
Encounter aims to:
- equip for a life of service to God
- encourage a deeper Biblical understanding
- give experience in a variety of areas across church life
- enable discovery of who people are and the gifts God has given them.
The Encounter year begins in September and runs to July, and it iis made up of 3 key components:-
- Placement
- Quality Training
- Overseas mission
Placement
The placement is the moste essential element of the scheme, it is priority that the placement and participant are well matched. A huge amount of energy is put into this from the outset.
Placements vary in their distinctive, ranging from a general experience and involvement in parish life, to a specfic focus in one area of parish ministry, that may have been requested by the parish, or participant.
Each Encounter placement will provide
- a job outline
- a mentor
- a line manager
- a specific project for the participant to develop throughout the year
- adequate accomodation
- regular time off
It is essential that the line manager and mentor attend training and review sessions throughout the year.
Line Manager & Mentor
The scheme offers training for both these roles, but it is important to consider carefully who these roles will be undertaken by. The line manager is someone willing to work alongside the participant in an advisory role, offering constructive direction. The mentor is someone who takes the role as a trusted friend and confidant to walk alongside the participant during the scheme to help them reflect on their experiences.
Why have an Encounter participant?
Encounter is an opportunity to offer something to a young person and receive from a young person who will have enthusiasm for God's work. Past Encounter parishes have found having a participant has benefitted the spiritual life of the parish, brought an extra pair of willing hands, encouraged dynamism in areas of church and developed new ministries that have gone on to new strengths in future years.
Cost & Accomodation
The cost of having an Encounter participant is £3000 paid for in termly installments. On top of this accomodation must be provided, and ministry expenses covered. The Encounter scheme gives advice on helping thinking through suitable accomodation for a participant.
Training
During the year there is one 4-day residential, two 3-day residentials and eight 1-day training sessions. The training is adapted each year to suit the needs of the group on the scheme, but broadly speaking it engages with five areas
- Bible Overview
- Scheme Fundamentals
- Pratical Skills and Knowledge
- Growing Leaders
- Theology
Overseas Mission
Each year scheme participants have the opportunity to do an overseas mission, and in recent years particpants have been to West Africa, India and Bangladesh. The trips are run in partnership with an organisation who regularly takes groups overseas, and on most occasions the scheme leader or a member of the YES team will also be on the mission. The overseas element of the scheme usually takes place between February half term and Easter.
Scheme Support
Support is provided to the placement parish and participant from the Encounter scheme leader and the Diocesian YES Team. Each line manager and mentor will be required to attend training and review sessions throughout the year. The scheme leader will be available to support both placements and participants during the year.
Support is provided by the partner organisation in connection to the overseas mission.
What to do next
If you want the the full placment information booklet, email us with your postal address to info@yesonthenet.org.uk. To register your interest in the possibility of having an encounter particpant at your church, please complete the placement application form.
Placement Application
To download the form click here.
Quotes
Over the past few years we have had two Encounter workers each for a year. They were both very different and both greatly blessed us! We saw them grow in faith, in prayer, in gifting and in confidence. It was a privilege for the whole church family to welcome them, come alongside them, encourage them, and work with them. It was certainly a two way experience as their enthusiasm, energy and ideas stirred us as a church; and I believe the love, wisdom and friendship of people here blessed our two workers. The support and training from the Diocese was excellent and contributed to a fruitful experience. It’s great value for all involved. If you get the chance, and it is right before God for you, then take it! You are investing in a young person and in the Kingdom of God!
Rev’d Gary Simmons, St Mary’s Church, Slaugham
Copthorne was privileged to have 3 youngsters from the YES Encounter scheme over the years, including one in the first 'pilot' year, and one who did a 'job-share' with us in the parish and also with one of the national church bodies. Each brought with them great gifts and personalities, along with their fears and concerns. Each had opportunities to try out things they were keen to get involved in; and each was stretched into some areas they really hadn't expected to do, but coped superbly.
These teenagers arrived as youngsters, and left as adults with significant maturity. Each made strong friendships within the parish that are still ongoing up to 10 years later. Their self-image and experience grew immeasurably, their spirituality deepened; and not only were their lives changed, they were involved in making positive changes in the lives of others in the parish too. These youngsters achieved some things in the parish we would not have been able to do without them.
It was not always easy for them, or for us as a host parish; but each was brilliant. The YES Encounter scheme offers so much to individuals and to parishes.
Rev’d Alastair Cutting, St Peter’s Church, Henfield
