Year-In Programme

What is the Year-In?

You’ve heard of taking a ‘year out’? Well, Valley Church’s Year-In programme is similar, but with a twist. The Year-In Programme will equip you to jump in to all that God has got planned for you in your future. It’s not about taking a year out of your life, it’s about investing a year in to your future!

For information about the Year In programme, please email [email protected]

The programme runs September 2024–July 2025. The deadline for applications is 31st July 2024.

Why should I apply?

Applications are open to anybody over the age of 16, but the Year-In Programme might be especially suitable for you if any of the following are true about you:

  • You want a break between studies (e.g. between college and uni) but don’t want to waste it

  • You are not sure what you want to do with your future and are keen to find out

  • You have a heart to explore God’s plan and purpose for your life

  • You want to serve the local church in more of a full-time capacity for a season

  • You want to explore and develop your God-given gifts and skills

  • You want to take a distraction-free year to strengthen the foundations of your faith

If any one or more of those things are true about you, then we would love you to consider the Year-In Programme at Valley Church.

Content and Structure

The Year In Programme is run as either a full-time or part-time course with classes and practical experience ranging from biblical studies, communication and skills development to administrative tasks, serving on teams, learning about culture, and how to apply this practically to build the church week-in-week-out! There will be training from the Valley Church pastors and leaders and every Year In student will be paired with a pastoral oversight or tutorial group for the purpose of pastoral care and mentoring.

The Year-In Programme typically runs from September to July (enquire at [email protected] for this year’s upcoming term dates).

If you are on the Year-In Programme part-time, then we would encourage you to seek or continue part-time work around the programme. We recommend that working hours do not exceed 20 hours each week, so that you can keep up with the demands of the programme.

The course will include both day-time and evening sessions as well as practical church involvement. If you decide to do the Year-In Programme full-time, then you will need to show during the interview how you intend to fund yourself for the year.

Interested?

Email [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to arrange to meet one of the pastors. Also, take a look at our FAQ section below.

FAQ

How much does it cost?
£600 for the year. A £100 deposit is due at your interview with the balance payable in various ways.

I don’t imagine my long-term plan is to be a full-time church worker, can I still apply?
Yes! We believe leadership is more about serving God and serving others than a title. If you’re willing to do that then you have influence that makes you a leader!

What qualifications do I need?
You need to be at least 16 and do not require any other formal qualifications or experience. 

Is there accommodation available?
You will be responsible for arranging your own accommodation. However, there may be families in church willing to rent out a room.

Where is the Year-In Programme held?
The Year In Programme is based at Valley Church’s South Preston campus. Some activities will take place offsite.

What will I need for the course?
It is essential for every Year-In student to have a Bible, a notepad and a laptop. A car would be very helpful, but not essential, as public transport links in the area are good.

Is financial support available?
We cannot offer financial support but would encourage you to raise money and seek part-time work to finance your year on the Year-In Programme.