“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 9:38
One of the most desperate needs of our world and of New Zealand is the recruitment, training and sending out of more workers to proclaim the good
news of Jesus. Ministry Apprenticeships are a profoundly biblical way of training men and women for gospel ministry. Apprentices work alongside experienced bible teachers to learn from their life, and their ministry.
The aims of Ministry Apprenticeships at Latimer Church are:
• To instil in apprentices deep convictions of the necessity and nature of bible teaching ministry, developed in the context of practical experience.
• To train apprentices in the fundamental principles and skills of various Gospel ministries
• To provide apprentices with an appreciation of their own strengths and weaknesses and of the value of further training so that they can pursue the best training and gospel work for their gifting.
The essence of a Ministry Apprenticeship is learning through active participation in bible teaching, as well as learning through observation and formal training. Ministry Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for trainees to discover their gifts, try their hand at a number of ministries, initiate ‘new ministry,’ and grapple with theological and ministry issues alongside their trainer.
Our aim is to see Apprentices grow in their convictions, their character and their competence for gospel ministry.
Convictions
Through regular bible reading with their trainer and formal ministry training each week, our aim is to see apprentices grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, and to know what they believe and why they believe it. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to attend the ‘Tim Training Course’, one day a week. www.timtrainingcourse.org
Character
As Apprentices grow in their knowledge of God we also desire to see them grow in their love for him demonstrated in joyful obedience and prayerful dependance. Trainers will meet regularly with apprentices to offer encouragement, accountability and prayer.
Competence
Over the course of the apprenticeship, Apprentices will learn practical skills for gospel ministry (e.g. preaching and bible teaching, leading small groups, leadership skills, evangelism, discipleship, communication skills etc), as they engage in ministry themselves.
At Latimer Church, we offer a variety of different options for Ministry Apprenticeships and would love to discuss what might work for you. Examples include:
A Full-time Ministry Apprenticeship
This allows for Apprentices to work full-time in ministry, under the supervision of a trainer. We would especially recommend a two year full-time ministry apprenticeship to anyone who is considering ongoing full-time paid ministry in the future. We recognise there are different pressures at different stages of life, and so we work with young or old to make their training as achievable and effective as possible!
A Part-time Ministry Apprenticeship
While a full-time apprenticeship is preferable, part-time apprenticeships allow for apprentices to be trained in some areas of ministry, while also supporting themselves financially through part-time secular work, or alongside further study.
Funding your Apprenticeship
Full-time apprentices, can be expected to be paid a ‘living allowance’ to free them up for full-time ministry. Apprentices will be asked to raise 50% of this living allowance and will receive training in how to fundraise. Next steps…
If you think a Ministry Apprenticeship might be for you, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at: apprenticeships@latimerchurch.nz
Donate
All donations made towards our Ministry Apprenticeship Fund are used to train men and women for Gospel ministry. If you would like to partner with us as we seek to raise up a generation of Bible teachers for NZ and beyond, please make donations to:
Latimer Church - MA Fund
01 0797 0974581 02