Church pillows in a Church of England Church.

What are mission projects in ordination training?

If you’re starting ordination training at St Augustine’s College of Theology, the mission project is one of the first things you’ll experience. 

The mission project forms part of your first-year module, Ministry and Mission in Context, and is a fantastic way to explore what ministry looks like first-hand.

But what is a ‘mission project?’ In this blog, we’ll look at why it’s such an important part of ordination training.

Getting out into the community

The mission project is about trying something real and practical that could make a difference in a community. You’ll work with your fellow students in a group and base yourself in a parish where mission is already an important part of the Church. 

With guidance from the clergy, your group will design and carry out a project that helps the parish. The goal is to learn, spread the word of God and have fun along the way.  But mainly, you’ll come away with ideas and learning points that help with your formation. 

What type of mission projects could you do?

The options are endless, but the key is to listen to what the parish needs and then figure out how your group can help. Here are a few examples:

  • Hosting a storytelling event to share the Christmas story with children and families
  • Supporting a church’s link with a local primary school
  • Organising a welcome evening for new residents in a local housing estate
  • Helping the Church rethink how it connects with commuters or weekday passers-by
  • Helping a parish’s ministry, like foodbank work or refugee outreach.

Your mission project could be a one-off event, part of an ongoing initiative, or the start of something completely new.

People chatting in a room

Working as part of a team

One of the most essential parts of the mission project is learning how to work with your fellow St Augustine’s students.

Early on, your group will decide who will contact the incumbent or supervising priest at your chosen Church. You’ll meet with your supervisor, learn about the parish’s hopes and background, and form ideas.

Throughout the project, you’ll think about how you work as a group:

  • Who takes the lead, if anyone? 
  • Will you have specific roles? 
  • What happens when there’s a disagreement? 

You don’t need to get everything right immediately, but reflecting on how you work together is as valuable as the project itself.

Mission project planning and progress

Once you’ve met your supervisor, you’ll begin working on your project. As you plan, you need to learn about the parish and community. 

  • What’s the local history? 
  • What about the social and economic background of its residents? 
  • What style of worship does the Church follow? 

The more you understand, the better you can create something that makes a difference.

Ordination training at St Augustine's College of Theology.

Why the mission project matters

As a trainee ordinand, you’re a future Church leader, preparing for a life of leading others in faith. It’s a calling that’s both rewarding and full of challenge. 

The mission project is your chance to experiment and explore how God might be shaping your formation. 

Book a May taster day to sample ordination training

Considering ordination training at St Augustine’s College of Theology? See what it’s like and join us for a Taster Day this May. 

You can choose between our West Malling campus in Kent or our Southwark campus in central London. You’ll sample real classes, meet our fantastic tutors and students, and explore our campuses. 

Many students say visiting was when everything clicked, and it might be the same for you.