Church Placements
Half of the week is spent on placement with one of our many partner church organisations. These come in all shapes and sizes, with very different focuses. We match people to churches based on interests and previous experience so that both the church and the student benefit best from this opportunity to take part in evangelism in a local church context.
James describes what his placement is like:
"I am placed with a city church called Northgate Church. Northgate describes itself as a 'vibrant church family that is made up of Christians from all walks of life and all ages.' The church is an outward looking community, who want to invite others to experience God. The church is very supportive of me and everything I do throughout my week with them. As a community, the church continually encourages me to take active steps to grow as an evangelist. I feel really at home with the church family because the Light Project have matched my skills and personality with them.
What projects are you involved in?
"Teens - this is a Friday night hang-out for school years 9-13. It is a chance for church youth to
invite their friends to a relaxed church
environment. Fire Escape - I am involved in
leading the church youth band, where I am able to encourage young people to be musical and to
use this to praise God. Youth Bible Study - This is a more focused time of studying the Bible and exploring what it means to live as a Christian. Open the Book - This project involves going into
local infant and primary schools to perform interactive assemblies using drama, songs, puppets and stories from the Bible. Northgate do this together with other Chester churches.
Tiddlers - This is a toddler group, providing an opportunity for parents and carers to chill out and meet each other. I am involved in a fortnightly puppet show to entertain the children.
"Having such a range of work to do within the church has been fantastic. In each of these things I am actively a part of God's mission for the city of Chester and I am a light that shines in the darkness. There is never a dull moment, there are constant challenges. The church has allowed me to practically use each of my gifts: enabling me to spiritually grow and mature in Christ."
Is the placement important?
"Yes, it means I can be a part of a family while I'm here and gives me friendships that I value greatly,
and a community that I love."
A further 9 hours per week are spent on projects run by the Light Project. You can read more about these projects in the projects section of the website.