The Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) is designed for people aged 18-30 who want to discover their vocation in the Church of England. It runs during over the academic year from September to June. In the Ministry Experience Scheme, we offer an opportunity to:

• explore and deepen your faith
• discern where and to what God might be calling you
• spend a year learning about yourself and your faith tradition with a caring support structure
• acquire lifelong skills and formative experiences which will enrich your life, discipleship, and faith

The diocese hopes that a number of the MES participants will discern their vocation within the Church and consider offering themselves for ordination or other ministries. In this way MES prepares interns for that selection progress. There are three elements to the MES training: 

• Chaplaincy work (70%) Gaining practical experience by working with local chaplaincies that exercise a breadth of ministry. Serving the community and gain leadership skills.
• Pastoral mentoring (15%) Seeking personal development through regular meetings with a pastoral advisor. Benefiting from reflective accompaniment with experienced mentors.
• Theological training (15%) Learning through tutorials with well-respected theological teachers. Participating in study visits to important sites in Europe and beyond and participating in Diocesan Synod.

MES interns receive support from a formational team including chaplains, a pastoral advisor and an educational supervisor. Depending on the location in which they serve, an intern can experience a very diverse and stimulating range of opportunities. This might include ecumenical work with the World Council of Churches to prayer services at some EU institutions.

In recent years there has also been the opportunity to take part in a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Land, accompanied by mentors and senior figures in the diocese. It is a chance to visit and reflect on places that were significant in the life of Jesus – and to consider the difficulties for Christians who live there now with the backdrop of present-day political and social realities.

The 2024-25 pilgrimage may be affected by ongoing developments in the Middle East.

Potential host chaplaincies for 2024-25 will certainly include a number of chaplaincies that have hosted MES interns previously (Brussels, Geneva, Vienna). Lisbon and Hamburg are ‘newer’ locations that have also expressed interest in hosting interns.

In arranging placements for people this year we will also need to take account of restrictions that may arise (especially for UK passport holders) due to the UK’s departure from the European Union. 

For more information please contact Dr Clare Amos, Coordinator, Ministry Experience Scheme, Diocese in Europe at clare.amos@europe.anglican.org

You can apply for the Scheme by filling out the application below.

Please complete and return the application form by 31 March 2024.

The start of the MES year is September 2024.

Late applicants may be considered in special circumstances.