Ministry Experience Scheme (MES)

The Diocese in Europe offers MES interns a unique experience compared to the rest of the Church of England. It is an opportunity to experience the Anglican tradition but in the diverse and varied context of continental Europe.

"When you step into Ministry Experience Scheme, you are not just volunteering for a year, you are entering into a journey of discovery"

Ashir Gill (Utrecht, Netherlands), MES intern 2025-26

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

Download a brochure here: Ministry Experience Scheme

Apply here

Application form: To apply, please complete this application form: Ministry Experience Scheme Application Form 2026

Email to: Dr Clare Amos, Director of Lay Discipleship and Ministry Experience Scheme coordinator, clare.amos@europe.anglican.org

Deadline: Extended to MAY 15th 2026

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Up until 2023, there has 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.

Given the continuing conflict in the Middle East region, recent pilgrimages have been to other important Christian locations e.g. Rome, Cyprus. A decision about whether the pilgrimage for the 2026-27 MES group can return to the Holy Land will be made in autumn 2026.

Host chaplaincies

Further details for 2026-7 will be posted here shortly.

Potential host chaplaincies for 2026-27 will include Brussels, City Kirche (Vienna), Lisbon, Voorschoten, Vevey. Istanbul, Leuven

In arranging placements for people we need to take account of any restrictions (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

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.