‘I knew I wanted to serve God on leaving college but not how’

Young people are being invited to spend a gap year serving their community through the Anglican church.

The ‘Pursuit’ Gap Year initiative has been developed by the Diocese of Chichester’s youth team for young people looking at their vocation and call and includes leading its May Camp youth event and an overseas mission project.

Dani Taylor, diocesan youth officer is leading the scheme. She said: “Our vision for the Pursuit year is to see a generation of young leaders released to learn, grow, be challenged, make mistakes and, most of all, to lead in step with Jesus.

“However, our vision is beyond a year – the journey towards being a great leader is a lifetime pursuit. We want young people to catch God’s vision for his people and to be the outworking of that in the world.

“Participants will be able to spend a year, unhindered by responsibility, listening to God, serving in the local church and discerning their vocation and call.

“They will have the opportunity to love and serve the local church and their community as well as give time to God and deepen their knowledge, theologically, biblically, spiritually and practically.

“We want all associates to be able to gain hands-on experience that comes from pursuing God.”

She said each associate would have the opportunity to plan and lead the dicoese’s youth event, May Camp, where 500 young people worship and learn about Jesus.

Participants will also embark on a two-week overseas mission trip.

Rev Carl Smith, rector of St Mary’s, Slaugham and St Mark’s, Staplefield, completed a similar scheme formerly run by the diocese called YES (Youth Equipped to Serve) at St Luke’s Prestonville in Brighton in 2000.

He said: “When I reached the end of my time at college, I knew I wanted to do something for God but was unsure as to what that could be.”

He worked for a Brighton church, mainly with the young people, but also helped with worship music and some city-wide ministries.

He said: “I highly commend a church-based year out to any young person who wants to explore ministry in any capacity. So much of what you learn will be transferable to so many situations.” Visit www. pursuitchichester.org.