Earlier in July, our 11 young adults came to the end of their Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) placement year in the Diocese of Leicester.
During their time here, these young people have served a range of churches across Leicester and Leicestershire, and engaged in a variety of mission and ministry, including children and youth work, social action projects, community engagement and outreach, schools work, worship and student work.
It’s encouraging to see how each and every one of them has grown in faith and confidence, as well as taken the opportunity to experience the breadth of the Church of England - and beyond - during their ministry adventures in our richly diverse diocese.
Earlier in the year, several of them joined the diocesan trip to our link Diocese of Trichy‑Tanjore in the Church of South India (CSI); others have studied with the New Wine Discipleship Year.
There have been pilgrimages to Walsingham, involvement with our Intercultural Worshipping Communities project, church planting, General Synod, the Difference Course, mission weeks, spiritual retreats, and so much more.
We asked our participants to describe their year in three-words… Fun, joy, learning, community and challenge, were their top responses.
Talking to the cohort of 2025/2026, they had much to share about their time and experiences:
“Some of my biggest highlights have been serving in the foodbank, helping with the café, and taking part in outreach to people experiencing homelessness. I particularly enjoyed sharing meals together, taking part in Bible studies, and seeing how practical acts of kindness often opened the door for meaningful conversations about faith.”
“I loved the Difference course. It made me think about my ministry in ways I hadn’t properly considered, as well as the termly ‘hang outs’ to form connections and just be with other students.”
“Getting to develop leadership skills. Seeing the youth and kids grow in their faith. Spending time with other Ministry Experience Scheme students.”
“I have grown in faith during the year and become more confident.”
“I saw glimpses of God in the relationships that were built with the people we served. Seeing how a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, a warm meal, or prayer could make such a difference reminded me of God’s love and care for every person.”
“I have seen God at work in the Kids and Youth ministry I have been doing. I have seen every single child and young person grow in their faith.”
“This year has taught me a lot about both myself and God. I have learned that I care deeply about people and that I find real joy in serving others, especially those who are often overlooked or going through difficult times.”
“I have learnt that God loves me for who I am. I have a whole life ahead of me to keep learning the ways in which God acts and provides for me in my life.”
“I have a lot better knowledge of the Bible, and have been able to improve my day-to-day walk with God.”
What’s next for our young adults?
Three start university in the autumn, another three are exploring a second year with the Ministry Experience Scheme, while three others are returning home to seek employment and to use their ministry experience to serve their local church.
One starts a new role with Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF) in Liverpool, and another is getting married (yay!) while discerning their call to lay ministry in the Diocese of Leicester.
Matt Long, who leads the MES scheme in Leicester as part of his role as diocesan Youth Engagement and Intergenerational Communities Enabler, said: “It has been such a privilege to journey with these young adults throughout the year, to see them discover more of who God is and who they are. I have learnt so much from these young leaders and look forward to doing the whole thing again with a new cohort of young adults starting in September.”
The MES Scheme
The Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme (MES) is a programme for young adults (18s-30s) from all backgrounds, that offers space and time to test God’s calling on their lives. Following the time frame of the school year, it gives young people the chance to experience practical ministry, enrich theological understanding and further personal development, all with ongoing support from peers and supervisors.
The MES Scheme has been going for over a decade and, since it was founded in 2013, more than 1000 young adults have taken part in the year-long placement programme.
The Ministry Experience Scheme runs from early September to mid-July. Click here for more information.
Could your church offer a placement and give an MES student the chance to realise their calling whilst sharing their gifts with your worshiping community?
Get in touch with Matt on matt.long@leicestercofe.org to find out more.