Our aim
To train and equip people to be able to understand who God is, who they are and why that matters. We hope to send out leaders into the world equipped to live lives of integrity, to be people seeking after God’s own heart, understanding his word and able to serve God’s kingdom faithfully through the power of his Spirit.
We are looking for…….
3 Ministry Trainees to start in September to train and serve for a year in one of four ministry areas:
Youth
Children
Worship
Discipleship
We are open to applications from people of any age, although we assume this will be most relevant to post-graduates, and there is the possibility of a gap year programme for the pre-university age. The possibility of a second year is open to those interested in continuing with the programme, at the agreement of the church.
What we offer
A Ministry Trainee will benefit from a ministry based apprenticeship with a high level of teaching which will equip them to serve God in a variety of contexts. We will ensure that their ministry area provides a varied experience and that their teaching involves grappling with Scripture, honing work based skills (such as time management, managing a budget, organising an event, fundraising, etc.) and exploring Christian leadership.
St Andrew’s is ideally placed to offer training for all, particularly young adults exploring future ministry opportunities or who want to cement their faith in practice before entering the workplace. We have a thriving children and youth ministry and a vibrant and varied tradition of worship.
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Since 2005, the SCGP Ministry Training Course has been running on Tuesdays at St Ebbe’s Church in Oxford, with the aim to cause those attending to have a greater view of the Lord, a fresh desire to serve Him and be equipped to pass on God’s Word to others.
After beginning the day in prayer and song, the elements of the course are as follows:
Bible Expositions. Different church leaders from the region open up six books of the Bible.
Doctrine and Practical Ministry. Across the year we will study and apply two big doctrines, consider principles for Bible teaching, look at foundations for ministry, reflect on pastoral and contemporary issues as well as hearing wisdom from those serving in different contexts.
Workshops. Students give talks or lead Bible Studies in small groups and receive feedback. The groups also provide the heart of the community life of the course.
Bible Overview. A year long course exploring how the Bible fits together.
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Ministry Trainees will benefit from regular sessions with world class speakers in a small group context. These sessions offer a variety of approaches to contextual and applied ministry to equip for the future. Topics range from apologetics to world mission and running a budget to building a team.
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Where viable, trainees will have the opportunity to join in with a mission trip with the young people, another church or a mission organisation.
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A single weekday or weekend conference specific to the area of ministry focus.
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There will be two aspects to the ministry programme: specialist and generalist. The Ministry Area Supervisor will oversee work done in both the trainee’s specialist area and also in general church ministry, they will allocate tasks and review progress. The general church ministry might take the form of an Alpha group, helping with our community café, an 18-30’s group or supporting one off events like Women’s/Men’s breakfasts.
The whole programme is overseen by the Ministry Trainee Programme Lead who recruits, co-ordinates and organises the schedule in discussion with the Ministry Area Supervisors. and is the first point of contact for the programme.
Additionally, each trainee will be allocated a pastoral mentor to read the Bible and pray with, in addition to their supervision with their Ministry Area Supervisor.
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The programme will run from 1st September to 31st July
You will be employed for 18 hours a week
2 weeks holiday after Christmas, 2 weeks holiday after Easter
Living Wage Foundation for 18 hours paid employment per week (estimated £11.2K pa)
Housing with token rent payment, in a shared house
In addition, you will attend the South Central Gospel Partnership training course outside of your employed hours. This course will be paid for by St Andrew’s
Grant towards a mission trip
Sundry expenses
Meet the team
Lesley Dentry Children and Families’ Worker
Roger Peach Music Director
Liz Trenckmann Youth and Families’ Pastor
Paul White Associate Vicar
Carrie Heyward Ministry Trainee Programme Lead
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I’ve been the Children’s and Families’ worker at St Andrew’s for over 10 years, after a career in teaching. I’ve overseen the active children’s ministry and been involved in encouraging worship together across the generations. I love seeing children flourish in their faith, and I love to organise and to cook! Outside of church life I’m also involved in the Girl Guiding movement.
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I have been Music Director at St Andrew's since 2016, and oversee the many different bands, instrument groups, choirs and AV operators in the worship team across the age range. I also work part-time for Jubilate, and until recently was also Chair of Trustees for Music & Worship Foundation, both organisations committed (as I am) to creativity, breadth and depth in worship.
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I’m a passionate follower of Jesus whose ministry is shaped by a passion to see the next generation walk with God. I’ve co-directed youth ministry in a church in Vancouver, Washington, then spent 9 years as Associate Country Director for Josiah Venture in Hungary. In 2023, I started as the Youth and Families’ pastor at St Andrew’s. I’m keen to invest in leaders, training, developing and mentoring. And I enjoy writing and white water rafting!
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I have been Associate Vicar at St Andrew’s since 2011 and oversee pastoral care and discipleship. I have a particular interest in how the Bible speaks into and supports our mental well-being and how we preach and teach in a way that connects with the ‘heart’. I am also an avid board gamer.
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Carrie studied theology first at Nottingham University as an undergraduate and subsequently studied Hermeneutics at London School of Theology. She spent many years as a youth and schools worker in Plymouth, Essex and Oxford. She loves teaching the Bible and discovering and growing the gifts of others. She loves laughing, ridiculous games and singing loudly in the car. She is looking forward to welcoming the new ministry trainees and working with them.
