Students studying on our academic theology courses and/or the Disciple Makers course are not required to undertake a formal placement as part of their course, however many students do still want to be involved in a local church to gain experience of Christian ministry and to put into practice the things they are learning at College.

Bristol Baptist College has relationships with many local churches in and around the Bristol area, as well as other Baptist Associations. Hence we are able to informally link up students and churches.

Although this arrangement does not presume any remuneration, it could be initiated as a very low-key arrangement via the Minister, ranging to a more structured set of responsibilities with pocket money.

Churches would be expected to welcome the student and introduce them to the church, provide opportunities for the student to gain some ministry experience as a volunteer, perhaps to help with finding accommodation if needed, and to provide someone who would commit to meeting with the student regularly to catch up and take an interest in their ministry and studies.

Students would be expected to get involved with the church, developing friendships, and offering to help with one or more church activities as a regular commitment during term time, to allow them to gain as much experience of church life as is feasible given their college studies.

If you represent a church who would like to be informally linked up with a student, please email Tim Welch on welcht@bristol-baptist.ac.uk to find out more.

If you are thinking of applying for a course with us and would be interested in being linked up with a church in this way please do let us know. You can email admissions@bristol-baptist.ac.uk to ask for more information about the course you are interested in.