Matt’s Story
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I’ve been a ministry trainee/apprentice for Holy Cross Church in Hove for about seven months now and it’s been an invaluable experience for me. I’ve been part of the church since my earliest days (21 years ago!) so it has been quite interesting to see ‘behind the scenes’.
Each Tuesday I attend the SGP’s Sussex Ministry Training Course which is held at Christ Church Haywards Heath. We study the Bible and ministry, covering subjects like ‘principles of exposition’ and look at some Bible books in great detail. For small group work we are given a particular passage once a term, to practise writing and giving a short talk.
Our presentation is critiqued by the other people in our groups, which can be daunting. However, these group times are very helpful for us to improve as teachers of God’s Word.
A highlight so far for me was a trip out to the British Museum in London, where we looked at exhibits and items that are in the Bible. It was fantastic to see items that are described in the Bible and that back up some great stories from Daniel, Jonah, Isaiah and many more.
My Wednesdays are mainly devoted to Holy Cross’ children’s work. We have a toddler group in the morning. In the afternoon we hold a group for Primary School aged children, with lots of games and a talk on a topic from the Bible. We’ve recently seen a consistent growth in numbers at this group, for which we’re thankful to God.
Every other Thursday I have an apprentice guidance meeting with my Minister. We read the Bible together – our aim is to get through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation (we’re up to Ezekiel now) and also to read one Christian book a month. Some of these are Christian classics; they can be fairly hard going, but getting through them is definitely worth it!
Being an apprentice at Holy Cross enables me to be involved in many different areas of the church’s life: on Sundays I can be helping in our Sunday school (The Ark), operating the AV desk, leading or preaching from God’s word. It is a great privilege. I’m so thankful to be serving such a diverse yet close-knit church family.
– Spring 2013
