Why FirstServe

Our FirstServe gap year programme is bespoke to you, and we'll tailor it to your availability, gifts, and calling.

Why First Serve

FirstServe is a unique Christian discipleship programme for 18-30 year olds, designed to bring you closer to God through mission.

Here’s some of the main reasons why you should apply to FirstServe.

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Discipleship

Discipleship

One of the aims of FirstServe is to inspire you and provide you with time to grow spiritually. You’ll take part in our Discipleship Course, which allows you to have time alone with God each week, study His Word and develop your relationship with Him. This course is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the Bible, teach you about mission and help you consider relevant issues, such as personal evangelism and living as a Christian.

Step 1 – Learn to Serve

As part of the FirstServe Standard and UK programmes, participants will undertake their initial training at Tilsley College. They will be enrolled in the college’s ADVANCE programme, which provides the opportunity to engage deeply with God’s Word and explore the character of God, before proceeding to their UK and overseas placements.

For the shorter programmes (Compact and Practical), participants will attend a one-day induction, during which key aspects of the ministry they will be involved in are introduced and discussed.

All versions of the programme include both a cultural orientation and a risk and security briefing, to ensure participants are well prepared for their placements.

Step 2 – Serve Local

As part of FirstServe Standard and FirstServe UK programmes, participants will spend six to eight weeks in a UK-based church, serving within the local community. This placement is designed to help participants develop practical skills and experience that will be valuable for their overseas placement.

During this time, participants will meet and work alongside other Christians and become involved in the life and activities of the church. Responsibilities may include supporting children’s after-school clubs, assisting church workers, preparing and leading religious education classes, devotions or children’s talks, serving in the church café, helping with community events, and a range of other ministry opportunities.

Participants will be matched with a church that provides opportunities to use their individual gifts and to explore areas of ministry that align with their interests.

Step 3 – Serve Global

Across all FirstServe programme options, participants have the opportunity to gain experience in cross-cultural mission through serving in an overseas or UK location. Depending on availability and programme length, participants will spend three to six months in one of the countries offered.

Cross-cultural placements encourage participants to depend on God in new ways while becoming involved in a range of ministry activities. These may include children’s outreach, construction projects, evangelism, medical care, teaching, work among street children, or youth ministry. Under the supervision of experienced mission partners, participants will gain valuable insight into how mission is carried out in practice, as well as an understanding of the challenges faced by long-term mission partners.

The mission worker overseeing the placement will be responsible for organising and supervising the programme, and will provide accommodation, meals, mentoring, and pastoral care throughout the placement period.

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