Over 100 young people gathered for a day of learning, networking and worship at St Mary’s in Marylebone, central London, for an annual conference launching one other yr of a Church of England initiative described as a ‘great hope’ for the longer term.Â
The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) for young adults aged between 18 and 30 years old is designed to permit them to explore their vocation by giving them a year-long opportunity to participate in practical ministry activities in areas like chaplaincy, preaching, digital media, pastoral visitations, event organisation, evangelism, and children and youth work.
The Rev Canon Nick McKee, director of the Church of England’s ministry development team, led a brief commissioning service on the event, and praised the impact the scheme has had over the past ten years.
“Over 900 young people from all backgrounds and traditions have explored God’s call on their lives for the reason that MES began over a decade ago,” he said.
“The energy, boldness and humility of this group is really inspiring and offers the Church and the communities we serve across the country, an indication of great hope for the longer term.
“It was a joy to find a way to commission the present cohort as they dedicate a yr to God.”
Guests from the Diocese of London helped lead the event, with quite a lot of speakers who included the Bishop of Plymouth, James Grier, and his wife Dr Liz Grier, who was recently ordained as a curate, and the Rev Dr Grace Bally-Balogun, church plant enabler at The Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication.
“That need is especially profound for the time being and I and others pray commonly for more people, from all different backgrounds, to discern a call to ministry – lay and ordained, in all types of communities,” said the Rev Helen Fraser, head of vocations and deputy director of the Church of England’s Ministry Development Team, who also spoke on the event.
“We have prayed and proceed to wish for you. I think God continues to have good plans and purposes for his church.”
Several participants within the scheme also shared their experiences and highlights, including Hannah from Durham, who shared how the scheme had given her “the chance to really serve the Church, to hitch in with somewhat little bit of preaching and in addition become involved in some activities with the youngsters”.
Bishop Grier said after the event, “It was wonderful to satisfy so many young people who find themselves actively exploring God’s calling on their lives whilst serving local churches of all sizes and styles.
“It is incredible that they’ve this chance to experience ministry within the context of a wider cohort of peers whilst also receiving such great local and national input. It is an excellent method to foster and develop vocations across the Church.”
