Discipleship Year

So much more than a gap year…

St Jude’s is the hub for the Portsmouth Diocese Ministry Experience scheme, which we run through the New Wine Discipleship Year. In a nutshell, the Discipleship Year is about growing as disciples of Jesus, learning how to serve him and his Kingdom with the whole of your life, for the whole of your life. It will take you on a life-changing journey of discovery and adventure, where you’ll be inspired, get practical Kingdom experience, make life-long friendships, and have a lot of fun in the process!

What do others think?

“DY for me was a year I gave to God and I was blown away by how much I grew in my faith and relationship with Jesus, my knowledge of the bible and God, all whilst practically serving in a local church. It was more than just a gap year for me!”
**Davita, previous Discipleship Year Student at St Jude’s**

Who’s it for?

The Discipleship Year is for ANYONE aged 18-24 looking to: Grow confidence in who God has made you to be. Discover the purpose he has for your life. Get involved by serving in a local church. Discover, exercise and nurture your spiritual gifts and passions. Be challenged to step out, risk and see God work through you. Experience the adventure of overseas mission

What does it involve?

As a participant you’ll be placed in a church which best suits you. Each of our placements run the program slightly differently, and we want to make it as individual to you as possible. They do however each have a few things in common. Every participant comes together once a week at St Jude’s (the hub) to learn together and share life. Most churches ask you to commit a further 22 hours to one or two ministry areas. We encourage each participant to spend, at least two weeks in a tradition other than their own, giving them a greater understanding of the wider church.

What does it cost?

We expect that the year will be cost-neutral for you, and if needed we will look for you to be housed and fed by a member of the church family. In addition, we will cover any reasonable expenses you incur in your role. For those considering ordination in the Church of England, there may be further grants available.

Why choose a Portsmouth Gap Year?

We believe the Portsmouth scheme is the very best way to draw near to God, learn about where He is calling you for the future, serve your local church and have lots of fun in the process. We’ll support you through time in the hub, mentoring and study as you explore in greater detail some of life’s big questions. Ultimately, we’re looking to find for those who God is calling to journey with us for a year, is that you? If so, get in touch!

What do others think?

I can't put into words how much my discipleship year meant to me. It gave me so many opportunities to grow and develop as a disciple of Christ in a loving, warm and friendly environment. Throughout my time I felt that I was genuinely cared for and invested in, but also challenged when I needed to be.
**Sam, previous intern at St Jude’s**

Where can I be placed?

We are having conversations with new placement churches all the time, and hope to add more as time goes on, but at the moment, the following have already agreed to join the scheme and are actively looking to recruit. You can find out more about these churches by looking at their website. Most of the church leaders in Portsmouth have already been told about this scheme, so if you’re keen to do it at your home church, it’s worth chatting to them, or asking them to be in touch with us. We’re very flexible! Once you’ve done this, contact Adam (via vicarspa@sjs.church) who’ll be able to give you more details:

Crofton Parish

Crofton is a mid sized Word and Spirit Anglican Church in Stubbington with a vision to be "the heart of God at the heart of our community”.

Website
St Jude's

St Jude’s is a mid sized Word and Spirit Anglican Church in Southsea with a vision to make Jesus the heart of Southsea.

Our Scheme
St Luke's

We’re a pioneer church in the heart of the city, passionate about sharing the transforming love of Jesus in one of the materially poorest parts of the country.

Website
St Margaret's

St Margaret’s is a contemporary, relatively new church plant in Southsea with a vision to build community with Jesus at the centre.

Out Scheme
North End

North End Baptist Church are based in Portsmouth and their vision is around Journeying together; experiencing God; embracing community.

Website