Our Church Family

Lyonsdown is a church family made up of people from all ages and a huge mix of different nationalities. We are a people saved by God and committed to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus through the prayerful teaching of the Bible. We believe that every member of the church is to be involved in active ministry, as we work together to reach our diverse community with the Gospel. We place a real priority on individual training for this task.

Lyonsdown is an Independent Evangelical church. We are in the process of joining the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) and we play a full part in the London Gospel Partnership.

Ministry Training Scheme

We seek Ministry Trainees for 2023/24 with servant hearts, good characters, and a willingness to work within a team. Employment length is for one year with a possibility of extension to two.

We welcome those testing the waters for full-time Gospel work in the future, as well as those wanting to take a year (or two) to be equipped for life-long participation in church life. The majority of Ministry Trainees have been recent university graduates. However, we have also had a number of people taking time out from their careers, or serving as part-time Ministry Trainees alongside other work and family commitments.

What is Involved

Our Ministry Training Scheme is well established and provides:

1) Theological Training

A half day each week of Theological Training with our other ministry trainees. This course has been run in-house for the last 17 years. It is led by our experienced staff (with input from other local Pastors on specialist topics) and includes in-depth study of Biblical books, doctrinal teaching, and pastoral training. We’re convinced that such training is best undertaken in the local church context (where that is possible), as it equips for real-life, on-the-ground ministry in an unparalleled way.
Talk Practice with Feedback. Twice a term, Ministry Trainees deliver a ‘Gobbet’ (a 10 minute Bible talk) and receive constructive feedback.
Language Study. The opportunity is given for Ministry Trainees to learn New Testament Greek (and, depending on interest, Old Testament Hebrew).
Reading Weeks. Two weeks are set aside each year for the Team to get together and read deep, challenging Christian books. These weeks involve stimulating discussion, good food and great fun!

Personal Development. All Staff and Ministry Trainees use a Bible reading plan that takes them through the entire Bible in a year (and the New Testament and Psalms twice). These readings form the basis of ministry discussions throughout the year. All are also encouraged to set aside a fixed daily period for reading Christian books.
Pastoral Care. A high priority is placed on individual personal godliness and growth. All Ministry Trainees meet weekly with either the Pastor Teacher or our Assistant Pastor-Teacher (Women) and have the opportunity to raise and discuss any issues or concerns they may have.
Oak Hill Theological Library. This resource is 10 minutes away and provides a rich treasury of commentaries and other Christian books. Ministry Trainees receive a fully paid membership.
Conferences. Several London conferences are paid for each year. These allow Ministry Trainees to broaden their horizons and engage with topical issues.

2) Ministry Experience

Our Ministry Trainees experience a wide variety of teaching opportunities and ministry assignments, such as:

Sunday School Teaching
Bible Study Leading at our Midweek Small Groups
Interactive Bible Teaching at our After-School Clubs
Children’s Slots in our main Church Services
Bible talks at our Baby and Toddler Group
Longer Evangelistic talks at Outreach Events
Nursing Home Ministry
Children’s Holiday Club Teaching and Activities
And lots more!

In every case, Ministry Trainees will be given all the support they need, and will receive feedback to help them to grow.

3) Practical Service

There are numerous practical jobs necessary for the running of church life, which Ministry Trainees assist with. These include: furniture moving, food preparation, and some cleaning. These opportunities give a great chance for the development of Christ-like character.

Why Should You Choose Lyonsdown Church? (from the lips of previous Ministry Trainees)

“Coming from a student church at university, I really wanted to be a Ministry Trainee as part of a diverse, “normal” church family. I was drawn to the fact that Lyonsdown has loads of children, families and older people - and that it is so incredibly multi-national. I’ve loved teaching the Bible to people who have English as their second language, and sharing the gospel with others who would never have a chance to hear it in their home countries.”

“From the moment I first visited, I was struck by how warm and welcoming the church family are. It’s amazing being part of a church family where it feels like everyone is really striving together towards the same goal of reaching out with the gospel.”

“As a woman, I wanted to be part of a Ministry Training scheme at a church with several women on their permanent staff, so I could learn from them. Being able to meet up every week with someone who’s been doing ministry for such a long time has been amazing.”

Our Location

Lyonsdown Church is located in New Barnet, North London. We are close to Oak Hill College, 25 minutes from the City, 10 minutes from the M25 and 5 minutes from the open Hertfordshire countryside.

Practical Details

Our next intake of Ministry Trainees will start work on Thursday 31 August 2023 and finish after duties on Wednesday 24 July 2024. First-year Ministry Trainees may be invited to continue for a second year in our rolling two-year programme. We have also successfully sponsored staff members and Ministry Trainees into full-time Christian leadership and ministry positions.

Comfortable accommodation is provided for Ministry Trainees free of charge. Living expenses in excess of £5,000p/a are paid in three advance termly payments. Ministry Trainees are not asked to contribute to this or raise any kind of funding themselves. All business expenses are met, including travel, telephone and internet access.

Holiday entitlement over the year is five weeks and six Sundays.

Ministry Trainees are required to take one and a half days off every week.