The Church of England’s Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) has been running for ten years, with over 800 participants and involving 35 dioceses.  It offers a year of experience and training in a range of settings for people aged 18-30 to help them discern a call to ministry.

This has been largely focussed on ordained ministry, however MES has expanded in line with the Church’s Vision and Strategy for the 2020’s, to include a stream focussed specifically on ministry opportunities amongst children, young people and families (CYPF) – the Future Youth Ministry Experience Scheme. 

In the Diocese of Derby we have been a part of the first two years of the pilot, and have now appointed a further two young adults as Future Youth MES workers; seeking to help participants discern a long-term possible vocation to Christian ministry with Children, Young People and Families.

The FY MES scheme has also partnered with Aurora, and participants will join together with others across the country to complete the nationally run course. We will also work with participants to build in optional further training modules to their year through our Diocesan lay ministry training programme.

>> FUTURE YOUTH | The Church of England

Meet our current Future Youth Team

Joe Trevor

I’m Joe, a 25-year-old living in Derby, originally hailing from Lincolnshire, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the Future Youth scheme for the 2025–2026 cohort! I grew up in a non-faith background, despite attending a Church of England school, but everything changed when I met God powerfully last year. Since then, I’ve found a home in St Francis Mackworth which has enabled me to learn more about Jesus and build a relationship with Him, whilst serving the great community that is Mackworth through various outreach programs. In July, after some prayerful deliberation and an awakening trip to HTB Focus 2025, I knew the Future Youth scheme was for me. The opportunity to work with kids and youth in a faith setting, while emboldening my relationship with Jesus, is unlike any other.

This scheme feels like a God-given chance to grow in faith, knowledge, and experience while serving young people in a meaningful way. The blend of hands-on ministry at St Francis and theological training through the scheme is something I couldn’t find elsewhere, and I’m so grateful to God, the Church of England, the Diocese of Derby and St Francis Mackworth for this opportunity. Having had minimal exposure to faith in a family setting, I’m excited to learn how to share God’s love authentically - both with youth now and, one day, in a family of my own.

My biggest hope for this year is to cultivate a Godly ambition. It’s easy as a young person to want to make an impact, but without direction, that can fizzle out or become misaligned. Through Future Youth, I want to clarify my calling, whilst growing in confidence to lead, inspire, and share faith. I also hope to gain insights for building and maintaining a Christ-centred family in the future.

Jo Barnes

Hello, I am Jo. I am 19 and have been a Christian for two years.

I had just finished A-levels and all I knew was that I wanted to help people. So I was a little lost of what to do. Then I heard about the Future Youth Scheme through members of my church and I knew that God was calling me.

This is an amazing opportunity especially when I look up to the youth leaders that have shaped me into the Christian that I am today. They have guided me with my relationship with God, have given me a voice and provided me with a lot of knowledge. I am enjoying swapping my role and providing children and young people the space to learn more about God and to encourage them to have a voice.

To find out more or to ask any questions please contact Matt Barnes