Whether you are an established minister within the Elim Network, or exploring what it means to serve under Elim's covering, this page outlines the structures, programmes and resources in place to help you thrive in ministry for the long term.
Discovering, developing and deploying new generations of transformational leaders across Elim
elim.org.uk/ministry/developing
Christian ministry is participation in the ongoing work of Christ - joining in what He is doing today, by the power of the Spirit. From the earliest days of Elim, men and women have answered that call: planting churches, reaching communities, and leading movements. That vision is as alive today as ever.
We are looking for courageous, flexible, navigational leaders who carry Elim's DNA and can find a way through new terrain - transforming churches and the communities around them. Today, Elim ministers serve as pastors, evangelists, pioneers, missionaries, chaplains, and in specialist roles that strengthen both local churches and the Elim Movement nationally.
"Now, these are the gifts Christ gave to the Church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the Church, the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11
We ordain women and men into church ministry on the same basis, through the same training and discernment process, held to the same standards. We believe God gifts men and women equally into positions of church leadership at every level.
If you are sensing a call, it is likely something persistent - a sense of compulsion that others around you are starting to notice too. That inner prompting, confirmed by your leaders, family or church community, is where discernment begins.
A few things worth knowing before you apply:
We have created a detailed guide for applicants and pastors to help with discerning your call to ministry. Please read through it before you continue.
A connection to Elim We only accept candidates with an established connection to Elim, either through attending a UK Elim church, Regents Theological College, or being an Elim missionary. (For this reason we do not accept overseas candidates or issue work visas.)
Attendance at an 'Exploring the Elim Ministry' seminar Seminars take place throughout the year. Dates will be confirmed after you complete the online registration form.
Commitment to Elim's ethos, vision and values Your application should demonstrate a genuine desire to contribute to Elim as a Movement — not only to a single local church.
A proven track record of ministry in the local church Candidates should have been in committed involvement in an Elim church for a minimum of two years, leading a ministry or serving as a key member of a ministry team.
Personal experience of the Holy Spirit Applicants must affirm Elim's belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, be able to articulate the biblical basis for it, and demonstrate the ability to lead others into a deeper work of the Spirit. See the free Holy Spirit Course.
Foundational studies in Biblical theology and leadership Some theological study prior to application is expected. Where no recognised Bible School qualification is held, applicants will be required to complete the Elim Ministry Foundation Certificate, accredited by Regents Theological College (RTC).
Evidence of Christian maturity and healthy relationships We look at interpersonal skills and the ability to sustain healthy relationships - in marriage, the home, the wider community and with local church leadership.
A reference from your local Elim church We will request a reference from the lead pastor of your Elim church, on behalf of the local leadership team, in support of your call to ministry.
Once accepted as a Minister in Training (MIT), you will begin a three-year training programme, commencing upon appointment to an Elim church or ministry. All successful applicants complete an Induction course, where you will receive full detail on the programme.
As a Minister in Training, you will be supervised and mentored while serving in a church, full or part-time. Here's how it works:
Supervising - a Supervisor ensures you gain experience across every area of ministry.
Mentoring - a Mentor walks alongside you to offer support, counsel and encouragement.
Reporting - pastoral reports every three months help us support and care for you well.
Reflecting - a portfolio completed over three years records evidence of your ministry experience and invites you to reflect on what you're learning.
Attending - you'll attend both the Elim Leaders Summit (May) and the MIT Conference (June) every year.
Ordination - on successful completion of your portfolio and ordination interview, you are nominated for ordination at the Business Conference held during the following year's Elim Leaders Summit. Find out more about Ordination.
Every June, Ministers in Training from across the Movement come together for the MIT Conference — a dedicated time of teaching, encouragement and connection for those currently walking the MIT pathway. It's a chance to pause, be resourced, and build relationships with others walking the same road, alongside the wider Elim Ministry team.
Booking details and schedule issued to MITs at the start of the year.
Ministry training doesn't only happen at home. Through MIT Missions, Ministers in Training have the opportunity to serve cross-culturally, gaining first-hand experience of God at work beyond their local context and bringing that perspective back into their ongoing formation.
Details on MIT Missions opportunities are provided to MITs.
Register your interest using the online form and we will be in touch about upcoming seminars and next steps.
All enquiries regarding the Elim Ministry are processed through the office of the General Superintendent, under the supervision of the Director of Ministry, Stuart Blount.