Find out more about The Ministry Experience Scheme
The Diocese of Peterborough is excited to relaunch its Ministry Experience Scheme and will be open to applications from January…
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Koinonia House opens its doors to support young people in ministry
A new chapter in the Diocese of Peterborough's commitment to nurturing young Christians in ministry has begun with the opening of Koinonia House, a dedicated home for participants in the…
A new chapter in the Diocese of Peterborough’s commitment to nurturing young Christians in ministry has begun with the opening of Koinonia House, a dedicated home for participants in the Ministry Experience Scheme (MES).
On 5 October, Bishop Debbie visited the Cathedral Precincts in Peterborough to bless and celebrate the opening of the house, which has been established to support young people taking part in the national Ministry Experience Scheme. The programme offers those aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to spend a year volunteering in a church or ministry setting, exploring their faith and discerning God’s call on their lives.
This year, the Diocese has welcomed back three experienced MES participants, Roisin, Liv-Astrid and Caty, who are serving across the Peterborough Deanery. Located in the heart of Peterborough, Koinonia House provides an ideal base from which they can travel throughout the city and surrounding rural communities, supporting a wide variety of ministry opportunities.
The house has been named Koinonia House by its residents. The Greek word koinonia speaks of fellowship, sharing and communion, reflecting the community life that will be at the heart of the home and its ministry.
As part of the opening celebration, Bishop Debbie blessed the house with the traditional inscription 20+C+M+B+26. The marking includes the year 2026 and the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this home”, serving as a visible reminder of God’s presence and blessing.
Bishop’s Missioner the Revd Becky Dyball said “I am so excited about what Koinonia House demonstrates in our diocese. It is a wonderful expression of young people living in Christian community, serving God and our diocese together. My hope is that this house will be the beginning of something that grows: a vibrant community in which young adults can deepen their faith, explore their calling and encourage one another in mission.”
The Ministry Experience Scheme runs annually from September to September, providing young adults with opportunities to grow in faith, service and leadership while experiencing the life of the Church firsthand.
The Revd Jenny Paddison, MES and Young Adults Coordinator for the Diocese said “Our diocese is longing to see more young adults not only coming to faith, but also given opportunities to share in the life, work and fruit of our churches’ ministry. Young adults bring enthusiasm and playfulness combined with maturity and wisdom that our churches can all benefit from. We are super excited about the current and future residents that this house will welcome and all that they will contribute to Christ’s work among us.”
Those interested in joining the 2027-28 cohort are encouraged to look out for further information, which will be released in January 2027.
