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Ministerial Apprenticeship Grant

The Ministerial Apprenticeship Grant supports churches in training future gospel workers by funding structured ministry apprenticeships of up to two years. It is designed for individuals who have completed formal theological study and are seeking to develop practical experience in pastoral ministry.

The grant helps churches provide meaningful, hands-on training in areas such as preaching, pastoral care, leadership, and working with different groups, alongside continued study in theology, biblical studies, and Baptist principles. Each apprenticeship must include a clear programme of supervision, mentoring, and feedback.

Funding of up to £15,000 per year is available, with churches expected to contribute and demonstrate financial responsibility. The grant is intended specifically for genuine training opportunities and not to subsidise additional staff roles.

Applicants must share a Particular Baptist theological basis and demonstrate strong governance, including appropriate safeguarding measures. Applications are carefully assessed by the Fund’s trustees, with interviews forming part of the process.

This grant aims to invest in the next generation of church leaders by helping churches nurture, equip, and develop those called to full-time ministry.

Conditions

  1. Grants support ministerial apprentice for up to two years. 
  2. Grants are not normally available where substantial practical ministry training has already been undertaken. 
  3. The Applicant must provide a structured training programme including preaching, pastoral care and leadership exposure. 
  4. The Apprentice’s training should also include appropriate consideration of biblical studies, theology, Baptist history, Baptist principles, pastoral studies and apologetics where not covered in previous theological training. 
  5.  Applications must be supported by audited or independently examined accounts submitted in a form consistent with current legal requirements and in relation to a period ending not more than 18 months before the date of application 
  6.  Applications must evidence how the Applicant keeps people safe. Once a grant is made, non-adherence to the safeguarding policy or occurrence of a serious incident will normally result in the grant ceasing with immediate effect 
  7. Applications must include two references, one for the Applicant from an officer of the local association of churches (where applicable) and one for the Apprentice. 
  8. The maximum grant is £15,000 per year for up to two years with the Applicant required to reapply after the first 9 months.