Launch is an amazing opportunity for anyone
who wants to take some time out to get stuck into ministry, whilst discovering
more about their calling through a season of teaching, training and
personal input. Launch is a discipleship and ministry programme
appropriate for someone taking a year out from study or work. It is
based at All Saints Church, Eaglescliffe, but working in and resourcing
a number of churches and schools in the Tees Valley.
What is the vision of Launch?
Building God’s people.
Launch aims to equip young adults aged 18 and
over for the rest of their life through a year of teaching, personal
reflection, and relevant ministry experience. Taking a year out is such
a great thing to do and the potential for people to be changed and draw
closer to God is an opportunity not to be missed.
We aim to provide a tailor made
programme and would discuss with you personally what it is you want
from your year out, and also what you would like to bring and how you
would want to serve.
Building God’s Church.
Launch believes strongly in the ministry of
the Church to build God’s Kingdom, and aims to support the ministry
and also extend the vision of God’s church in the Stockton area. The
ministry that Launch is involved in varies from supporting
established projects and also being envisioned for pioneering new work.
So come with your vision and fresh ideas!
Whatever your experience or hopes
for in ministry there will be a variety of projects to get involved
in…whether its diving into something that you have never done, or
bringing your skills and fresh input to a work you are passionate about
and have been involved with before.
Where does Launch happen?
Launch takes place in the Tees Valley in Eaglescliffe,
Stockton, Billingham and its surrounding villages. The ministries of Launch
happen across this area in various churches and schools and the involvement
is increasing. All Saints Church, Eaglescliffe, is the nexus church
where the Launch Team Leader is based and where Launch
members are looked after.
All Saints is an evangelical,
charismatic parish church. It is a church that has been growing and
developing for a number of years and it is a part of the New Wine Network.
What will
I do as part of the Launch team?
Ministry and serving
A year out is a great opportunity
to get stuck into ministry and learn how to lead, pioneer and serve
in many different ways. Launch seeks to build God’s church through
serving what is going on, and also to build its team members by giving
them the opportunity to get involved in the projects that they want
to learn though, and give them the space to also start new things if
they have an idea. Ministry will be alongside other people who will
support you and also as a Launch team we will serve together.
Launch is committed to all of the types of work
God calls His church to engage in. You could be involved in evangelism
in schools, children’s work, youth work, events planning, discipleship
and mentoring of young people, worship, creative team, young adults
work, kids clubs, serving and shadowing leaders, social planning, detached
evangelism, work with the elderly, pastoral visiting, sound and technology,
Alpha, servant evangelism, church planting Parent and Toddlers, 24-7
prayer and much more.
A lot of the ministry we are
involved in is in areas where projects are just starting up so it’s
a really exciting time of breaking new ground!
Teaching, training and prayer
As well as learning through serving
and working within the church, it is vital that during a year out people
increase in their knowledge of God’s Word and issues facing Christians
today. The Launch team meet at least twice a week for teaching
on anything and everything, theological and practical. The teaching
is done by a variety of people and is relevant and aims to be cutting
edge and up to date.
Prayer is central to the work
and ministry of Launch and so team members meet to pray regularly
and also get involved with the prayer life of the church.
Retreat/Weekend Away/Mission Trip abroad
Some time away as a group is
planned early on in the course and also if there is the desire amongst
the team a trip abroad to experience in another culture can be organised.
Mentoring and accountability
Each team member is assigned
to an appropriate older individual who will mentor and pray for them
and invite them round for tea! Each Launch member is also encouraged to assess
their gifts and be encouraged to be working towards something. This
could be something personal or to do with their relationship with God,
or it could be to learn about a particular issue or to overcome a fear
or do something challenging.
Accountability is so important when you are in ministry and this will happen on a number of levels personally, spiritually and in relation to what projects and ministry you are involved with. We also encourage team members to meet with one other person for accountability.
Finance
and Living
What costs are involved in LAUNCH?
A gap year today can cost thousands
of pounds and this can be a hindrance to some people taking a year out,
and getting the discipleship and experience that they need. Launch carries
a course fee of £295 and this is to cover ministry expenses, training
and administration for your year with us.
What about personal expenses?
Launch is committed to releasing people for
the rest of their working lives and is against Christian bubbles! Therefore,
rather than encourage people to raise a lump sum of money to support
themselves through the year, we encourage people to seek part time employment
during there year out. This has the twofold benefit of financial provision
and also the excellent experience of being in a non-church working environment.
If this is an environment that you have been a part of for a number
of years and are seeking a season out of, then we would encourage you
to seek financial support from family and friends.
Whatever financial path you decide
to take we will support you in finding a job, advising in raising financial
support and any other help that you need.
Where will I live?
Accommodation is something that
we will assess and discuss with you personally. There are a number of
options ranging from being hosted by a church family (for £15 a week),
living in a Christian owned rented house in community with other team
members, or we will help you find private rented accommodation if you
would prefer.
Contact
Information.
For a brochure, application form,
any questions you have please do not hesitate to contact me with the
information provided below:
Launch Team
Leader: Miss Hannah Jackson
Email address: launch [at] allsaints-church [dot] co [dot] uk
Website: www.launchgapyear.co.uk
Postal Address: Launch, All Saints
Church, 22, Dunottar Avenue, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS16 0AB
Telephone: 07702 163138
Launch Application Form.
Type or neatly write answers
to all of the following questions on a separate sheet. Please give reasons
where appropriate. Return to Launch at contact postal or email address
1) Personal Details: Name
/ DOB / Address / Postcode / Email / Tel
/ Mob
2) Education and Employment
History: Enclose an up to date CV, and/or outline your education
and employment history, and any qualifications you hold.
3) Tell us about yourself
(hobbies, interests & about where you live).
4) Describe your present home
Church. Also describe your church history and experience of other
Christian organisations.
5) How and when did you become
a Christian?
6) What areas of ministry
are you most passionate about?
7) Briefly outline your strengths
and gifts. For example worship leading, pastoring, your spiritual
gifts, serving…
8) What are your weaknesses?
9) Outline any ministry experience
you have had. Include experience at home, abroad and in any Christian
setting.
10) Why are you applying to
do LAUNCH and what do you hope to gain from it?
11) Where at the moment would
you say God is leading you with regard to you ministry, character and
future calling?
12) What church, individual
or organisation has influenced your life the most?
13) Who are your two favourite
people of God in Scripture and/or history?
14) Describe
in your own words who Jesus was, is and will be.
15) What two books have influenced your life the most and why?
Include one Christian and
one non-Christian
16) Please give the names
& contact details of 3 referees (including a church leader).
Send: Launch, All Saints Church, 22, Dunottar Ave, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS16 0AB