The youth ministry apprenticeship is a year long program in which the
apprentice deepens character, develops competency, and discerns calling.
YMA is more than an internship. The apprentice gains practical skills, engages in the study of scripture and theology, and is formed as a youth minister.
This program is ideal for recent university graduates, or those in their twenties, who are exploring or pursuing a career in youth ministry.
“A
year of obedience, blessing and fantastic teaching, run by gifted leaders,
that has been a joy from start to finish.”
- Jonny, London, England
Character. Calling. Competency.
Character
Apprentices work and grow alongside an experienced youth minister and through participation in an active youth ministers’ network. You’ll gain insight into who you are and how God’s wired you.Calling
As you experience the challenges and joys of ministry, you’ll find clarity in God’s calling on your life and how to pursue that calling effectively.Competency
Through group learning and personal study, YMA develops your understanding of theology and God’s word, as well as theory and practical skills in youth ministry.The Youth Ministry Apprenticeship is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina whose youth ministers are working together to raise up a Biblically-literate generation that is leading the Church and changing the world.
In addition to youth ministry, opportunities for apprenticeships in Children’s Ministry and Worship Leadership will be available soon. If you are interested in a program in these areas, contact us at info@ministryapprentice.org.
At its core this is a year long course that includes both the practical and the theoretical, and introduces the participants to good practices in youth ministry. It is intended for people who wish to do youth ministry long term, not as a year out. Therefore it will generally be for people who have completed college, or have spent at least one year out of High School. The course begins in mid-August and ends at the end of July.
Our expectation is that the apprentice works for 40-45 hours a week, which breaks down into thirds of 13-15 hours -Personal Study / Face to Face / Preparation.
‘Personal Study’ involves a two days teaching each month from some excellent teachers. We will cover such topics as Theology, Biblical studies & Hermeneutics, Youth Ministry theory & Practice, Strategic Leadership and Vision,. It will also be expected that you will read various core texts that will be set for you by our instructors, and that you will complete various assignments throughout the year.‘Face to Face’ will involve all work in small groups, larger meetings, or one on one contact with students. This will range across both Middle and High School, and will also involve going into local schools.
‘Preparation’ will involve all planning for meetings, phone calls, and administration that needs to be done. Here you will gain a good knowledge of the way that a youth ministry functions on a day to day basis, and get the opportunity to practically experience it firsthand.
Your host church will provide a stipend and housing if needed. They will also cover ministry expenses. you may hold a part-time job in addition to the Youth Ministry Apprenticeship if needed but not for more than 20 hours each week.
I understand there are a lot of theological differences within the
Episcopal Church. Where does the Youth Ministry Apprentice fall?Our diocese holds firmly to the basic beliefs and doctrine common to
churches around the world as found in scripture and the creeds. Our
convictions have not changed, though in some places around the country
the Episcopal Church is taking a different direction.Is the YMA a paid position?
Yes, there is a stipend given that provides for basic expenses but the
apprenticeship is not a typical full-time salary. For apprentices who
come from out of the area, housing and meals are provided from a family
within church. The exact figures vary from church to church.Where will I stay?
Those who come from out of the area are typically housed with a church
family.What church will I be placed in?
Several churches in our diocese are host sites for apprentices. The
opportunities change each year.I am not a college graduate. Can I still apply to the Apprenticeship?
Yes! We prefer that applicants are at least 20 years old but welcome
all who sense a call to participate in this experience.Will I need to get a part time job? Or Can I have a part time job?
You may hold a part time job, yet most apprenticeships are full time
making this unnecessary.Will there be health insurance?
Some of our placement churches provide health insurance, but not all.
How long does it last?
Ideally apprentices serve for one year. Some exceptions are made
however depending on circumstances.
If you believe that the Apprenticeship might be where God is calling you then please download the Application form here, complete it and mail it to:
Jonathan Bennett
2810 Seabrook Island Road
Johns Island, SC 29455-6219If you don’t feel quite ready for that, and would like to talk to someone involved in leading the Apprenticeship then please call… We would love to try and help you as you seek to discern if this might be God’s next calling upon your life.
The Application will then be reviewed by the Apprenticeship leadership team and you will be contacted shortly afterwards to let you know whether or not we would like you to interview further.
Applications will be accepted for the next school year up until June 31st.
Click here for...
Apprenticeship Application Reading List Policies & Expectations
Phone: 843.722.4075
Email: info@ministryapprentice.org