FAQs
frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
It couldn’t be easier— just fill in your details here and we’ll be in touch with an application form, which will be followed by an interview.
When can I start?
The majority of teams start in September, but this can be flexible.
What church will I be placed with?
When we place you in a church we will always try to take into account preferences for location in London, as well as requests for being part of particular denominations. You will also be able to visit the church before you start.
Who will I live with?
You will be placed in a team of around three to four other Mission Year participants. You can also apply to join with a group of friends. Most teams will need to find their own accommodation—your local church and Mission Year office will help with this process.
There’s a group of us at university, work or church who want to live as a community. Can we do it via Mission Year?
We are happy for groups of friends already interested in community living to come on Mission Year. We can help place you with a church and local community, either as a group on your own or with 1 or 2 others joining your group. By coming on Mission Year you will receive support and training as you embark on community living that you wouldn’t receive otherwise, which will hopefully help you to grow and learn together effectively.
How does the finance work?
There is a payment to Mission Year to cover training, support and administration. House teams are also collectively responsible for their rent and bills, which we encourage to be paid from a ‘common pot’. Employment stream participants will be encouraged to help finance the cost of those who are on Mission Year in the volunteer stream. However, volunteer stream participants may chose to find part-time employment in order to help support their needs and given the high living costs in London. The volunteer stream participants may need to raise additional funds to help towards their living costs. The Mission Year office team will help each house work out how best to run their finances and support each other.
Can I work part-time?
Working part-time could be a good option, particularly for those who want to come on Mission Year as volunteer stream participants but need to earn some money to support themselves. In these cases we would advice finding part-time work in the community you are in. This could also be a great way to get to know local people in your area.
What’s the difference between the volunteer stream and the employment stream?
Mission Year offers several levels of participation. You can commit to serving the local community full-time, or you can serve whilst in employment, or you might chose to get a part time job and volunteer the rest of your time. Some people are even doing Mission Year as students while continuing with their studies. All levels of participation are equally valid and important for the house and community living. Working part-time is a good way to help fund living costs but also enables you to give more spare time to serving the community.
What topics does the training cover?
The training is designed to equip you for urban mission and covers a diverse range of topics, from workplace mission and faith in politics to avoiding burnout and community engagement. Participants can also attend the School of Theology courses at St Paul’s Theological Centre.
Is all the training compulsory?
Some elements of the training will be compulsory, such as the induction training weekend and retreat weekend, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Participants will also be expected to attend as many central Mission Year training sessions as possible and to undertake some kind of study as a house, using the books and DVD resources provided. Some specific training courses will also be offered, particularly for those on the volunteer stream. The training we offer is to benefit you, to equip you and enable you to best serve the community around you. Therefore, we will work with you to ensure that your needs are met where possible. Further details can be found here about our training.
Is Mission Year a gap year programme?
Mission Year lasts for a year, but we don’t think it’s a gap year – it’s about developing a way of life that will stay with you long after you’ve left the year-long programme. Over 75% of our 2010 participants are planning on staying with their church and community for at least another year. What’s more, you can come on Mission Year whilst still working – you don’t have to take a year out to do it, so it’s more about facilitating a way of life than a gap year.
Can you explain more about how the community house works?
You will be placed in a house with 3-4 other Mission Year participants. As a house you will commit to eating some meals together each week and to spending some time praying together. The idea of a community house is that you seek to live as a ‘family’ unit. Each house will need to work out exactly how they run their finances, but most houses will have a central ‘pot’ of money that each person pays into according to their means, from which food, rent and bills are paid. So someone earning a high salary in the house might help to support someone who was less well paid, or serving on Mission Year as a full time volunteer. As a house you will also be encouraged to practice hospitality and to think together about how you can serve the community around you.
Is Mission Year specific to one denomination?
Mission Year works with churches of many different denominations and is happy to accept participants from a range of church backgrounds. Where possible, we will try to place you with a church you will feel most comfortable in. We are currently working with the following denominations: Baptist, Church of England, Assemblies of God, New Frontiers and Evangelical Free Churches.
Will I be safe where I am living?
Your safety and wellbeing is our priority and we will provide information and training about safety as necessary. Living in a community house, with others, is an excellent way to help you stay safe in London. Your church leader will be able to provide you with good local knowledge to help you stay safe as well.
How many hours will I be expected to serve?
We want to make sure you don’t burn out over the year and encourage people to factor in time off! If you are in the employment stream, you will be expected to give some time to volunteering in the community and to partake in house activities. Commitment to the host church and regular attendance on Sunday’s is also important.
Can married couples do Mission Year?
Absolutely, a number of married couples have already taken part on Mission Year. We recommend you have been married for at least a year before considering doing Mission Year, but if you’d be interested in doing Mission Year as a couple please get in touch with us to discuss it further.
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