Give a year to Jesus

A discipleship year out for anyone 18+: a year in London transforming lives in schools, churches and communities.

Apply now Read the FAQs

WhenSept–JulyStarts with a residential

WhereLondonPlaced in a local church

Who18+From the UK or overseas

CostNo feeDonations welcome

What to expect

Your year

Church placement

You’ll be placed in a church for your year, with us at Chase or another local church, where you’ll serve and become part of the church family: evangelism, youth ministry, hospitality, courses, worship, children’s ministry, discipleship, prayer, preaching, media and more.

Training

Monday afternoons are for practical and theological training led by local and national leaders, alongside students from other gap year programmes: Bible overview, apologetics, healing, evangelism, leadership, mental health, mission and more.

Mission

Locally you’ll help with Foodbank, Growbaby, a soup kitchen and a coffee morning for the elderly, and join the Engage schools team. Each year the team also goes on an overseas mission trip.

Serve · train · go
Step out of your comfort zone

Encounter

FAQs

What are the dates?

Encounter starts early September and finishes at the end of July. It begins with a residential of worship, prayer and teaching, and ends with a week of mission in the local community.

Where will I live?

Your placement church provides your accommodation for the year and welcomes you into the church family.

What support will I receive?

A spiritual mentor who meets with you regularly to listen, encourage and pray, plus regular supervision with the Encounter Coordinator.

Will I have time off?

Yes: regular time off each week, plus holiday through the year including two weeks around Christmas.

How much will it cost?

We don’t charge for the year, though donations are welcome. You’ll raise money for the overseas mission trip and we’ll help you plan it. Applicants from other countries cover their own flights, visa, insurance and healthcare surcharge.

How do I apply?

Fill out our online application form. If successful, we’ll take up references and invite you to interview. Contact us to request the form.