Together to know God and make Him known

York Community Church - Contact Us - Home Page - Registered Charity Number 1039108

The YCC Gap Year

This is a part time training course running from September to July. The Gap Year is led by Simon Rennie, pastor of York Community Church, founder of the Equipping Track (NOCN Authorised Training Centre number 59367) and former part-time lecturer at the London School of Theology.

 

The Gap Year is open to all who sincerely want to know God better. The year will be structured to increase your knowledge of God and His Word, to deepen your relationship with Him and expand your experience of Him. The course will help you mature as a disciple and be equipped as a leader. You will also develop your gifts through serving within the local church and on an overseas ministry trip.

 

 

Gap Year term dates for 2011/2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     N.B. The Bank Holiday 7 May 2012 will also be a day off.

 

 

Structure of the Course

The Gap Year consists of three 10 week terms - dates as mentioned above. Each week Gap Year students will meet together for the main teaching elements of the course and for team discipleship. These sessions will normally take place on Monday and Tuesday from 9.30am – 12.30pm (PLEASE NOTE: these days and times can be flexible depending on each year’s intake). In addition to weekly studies and assignments students will meet fortnightly with their mentor and also take part in a variety of community and church work. The times and days for these elements will vary from student to student and can be organised around part time paid work the student may want to undertake to help fund their year. The teaching, private study, church involvement and mentoring elements of the course will take, on average 12-15 hours a week, broken down as: 6-10 hours teaching and private study, 5 hours discipleship and church involvement (including Sunday).

 

 

Course Elements

The Gap Year consists of three key elements: biblical studies, ministry and spirituality. These components will be explored through: practical opportunities to minister, personal mentoring, ministry trips, team discipleship and the completion of the NOCN accredited level 3 course Active Christian Training (ACT).    

 

 

Practical Ministry - Each student will gain experience in hands on ministry. There will be opportunity to participate in pastoral care, worship, evangelism, prayer clinics, youth work, children’s work and more. Students will receive personal supervision thus enabling them to learn and grow through their experience. The selection of an area of church involvement will be made in discussion with the student and in the light of the student’s application form, interview, references and any first hand knowledge of the applicant. All students will be encouraged to experience a number of ministry opportunities as these will be assessed as part of the practical assignments attached to the Active Christian Training course.

 

Personal Mentoring – Each student will be assigned a mentor to help them explore and monitor their spiritual development.  Mentoring offers a safe and consistent environment for students to deal with areas of sin and weakness, to face the hurts and experiences of the past and to nurture and discover the gifts God has given them. Mentoring will be on a same sex basis and all mentors will have recognised pastoral and discipleship giftings. The appointment of mentors will be made in discussion with the student and will always be under review so that the student’s needs are best served throughout the year.  

  

Ministry Trips – As part of the Gap Year students will partake in two ministry trips. One will be in mainland Europe lasting for a week. The other will consist of an extended weekend of activities based in either a UK church or an alternative ministry environment.  

 

Team Discipleship – Each week students will meet together for sharing, prayer and ministry times. In this setting, students will be equipped and encouraged to develop and deepen their own spirituality and relationship with God. It will be a time for soaking in the presence of God and impartation through prayer ministry. The mornings will also include an element of teaching: personal spirituality, leadership development, the way of holiness and practical skills for Christian ministry.

 

Active Christian Training (ACT) – The Gap Year is structured around a NOCN accredited level 3 course consisting of three modules:  

 

Term 1 – Biblical Interpretation and Application

In this first term students will get to grips with the structure and history of the Old and New Testaments, ensuring a firm foundation for further biblical studies. The module will also include an introduction to biblical theology, Christology (the person and work of Christ), Paul’s contribution to understanding the Christian faith and developing theological models that address key life issues

 

Term 2 – The Purpose and Application of Ministry Gifts  

This second module focuses on practical ministry and the spiritual gifts God has provided us with to equip and resource His church. Students will partake in prophetic workshops, prayer clinics and develop pastoral and evangelistic skills.     

 

Term 3 – Applied Christian Beliefs

The last term will see us focus on applying our Christian beliefs:  firstly to our own walk with God, then to help and encourage others and finally we will explore the challenges of our contemporary world.

 

Cost

The Gap Year has an administrative fee of £80.00 and an estimated budget of no more than £250.00 for the two ministry trips. Participants will need to organise and fund their own accommodation, travel and other living expenses.

 

 

To Apply

Either complete the:

 

ONLINE YCC GAP YEAR APPLICATION FORM

 

or download a copy to complete later:

 

YCC GAP YEAR APPLICATION FORM (Word doc)

 

 

This Information

For a printer friendly version of this information download here: INTRODUCING THE YCC GAP YEAR

The Gap Year