Wanting to take a year out to explore your calling, serving in an area of church ministry?
The Diocese of Guildford is running the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) alongside the New Wine Discipleship Year (DY) to aim to help those aged 18-30 gain valuable vocational and leadership experience as they serve for a year in a church placement. The aim of the schemes is to help participants test a sense of vocational calling and gifting alongside some theological training. Both schemes work very similarly, with MES having a strong empahsis on vocational discernment, while New Wine DY helps participants explore multiple areas of ministry in discipleship with others. By integrating both schemes into one programme, we hope that participants will benefit from the opportunities for community and ministrerial development which come from both.
The year is non-salaried and voluntary, however, churches are able to supply a living allowance, as well as find host accommodation if required. Course fees and enrolment is zero cost to participants.
You will be expected to attend various conferences, residentials, and a trip abroad during the year. You will also be participating at New Wine Festival.
You can find out more information on the Church of England website here: The Ministry Experience Scheme | The Church of England and on New Wine's website here: Discipleship Year - New Wine
Applicant information
Thinking of becoming a participant? We would love to be able to help you explore your calling. Applications for 2025/26 are now closed but we will be reopening for submissions later in the year. Please check back then.
Church Information
Interested in becoming a church placement in 2026-2027 for a ministry participant? While applications are closed for this September, we will be re-opening our application form in Autumn 2025; watch this space!
Please get in touch with our MES and DY Coordinator to register interest or ask any questions about becoming a church placement: sophie.blake@cofeguildford.org.uk